cannabisnews.com: Democrats Call for Pathway To MJ Legalization

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  Democrats Call for Pathway To MJ Legalization

Posted by CN Staff on July 10, 2016 at 05:04:16 PT
By David Weigel 
Source: Washington Post 

Orlando -- The Democratic Party endorsed a "reasoned pathway to future legalization" of marijuana and called for the drug to be downgraded in the Controlled Substances Act, in a tense and unexpected victory for supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders.Going into the platform committee meeting, Sanders's campaign had no new language about marijuana. The senator from Vermont had favored state-to-state legalization efforts, and the language approved by the drafting committee called for "policies that will allow more research on marijuana, as well as reforming our laws to allow legal marijuana businesses to exist without uncertainty."
But on Saturday afternoon, the committee brought up an amendment that would have removed marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. David King, a lawyer and Sanders delegate from Tennessee, argued that marijuana was added to the act — giving the drug the same legal classification as heroin — during a "craze" to hurt "hippies and blacks." The amendment, however, was headed for defeat, with some committee members worrying that it went too far and undermined state-by-state efforts to study decriminalization.Arguments stopped when committee members proposed swapping in the language of a rival amendment — one that merely downgraded marijuana from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substance Act and included the undefined "pathway" to legal status.When the vote was called, 81 of the 187 committee members backed the downgrade amendment — and just 80 opposed it. A roar of applause went up from the seats where people not on the committee were watching the votes.For the next 10 minutes, that victory was thrown into jeopardy. Former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin, the co-chair of the platform committee, entertained a complaint that at least one member might not have been able to vote, lacking the "clicker" that recorded electronic ballots."If you don't have a clicker, now is the time to ask for one," Franklin said.Arguments broke out, some of them over the black-curtained divider keeping the committee members from the non-voting observers, and one Clinton delegate complained audibly that the Sanders delegates "wanted 100 percent of everything." (The vast majority of observers, since Friday, have been Sanders backers.) Finally, former senator Mark Pryor (Ark.), a Clinton delegate, walked up to a microphone to announce that opponents of the amendment were unhappy that the compromise language had been replaced — but not unhappy enough to fight about it."We withdraw the objection," he said.There was more celebration in the back of the room. Later, after the unanimous adoption of a tough criminal justice reform plank, the grumbling that ended some sessions was replaced by Sanders voters saying: "Thank you! Thank you!"The text of the marijuana amendment:Because of conflicting laws concerning marijuana, both on the federal and state levels, we encourage the federal government to remove marijuana from its list as a Class 1 Federal Controlled Substance, providing a reasoned pathway for future legalization.The text of the criminal justice amendment:We will work with police chiefs to invest in training for officers on issues such as de-escalation and the creation of national guidelines for the appropriate use of force, including how to de-escalate situations. We will encourage better police-community relations, require the use of body cameras, and stop the use of weapons of war that have no place in our communities. We will end racial profiling that targets individuals solely on race, religion, ethnicity, and national origin, which is un-American and counterproductive. We should report national data on policing strategies and provide greater transparency and accountability. We will require the Department of Justice to investigate all questionable or suspicious police-involved shootings, and we will support states and localities who help make those investigations and prosecutions more transparent, including through reforming the grand jury process.David Weigel is a national political correspondent covering the 2016 election and ideological movements. Source: Washington Post (DC)Author:  David WeigelPublished: July 9, 2016Copyright: 2016 Washington Post CompanyContact: letters washpost.com Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ URL: http://drugsense.org/url/XgXx3ZfHCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml 

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Comment #25 posted by Hope on July 22, 2016 at 09:50:16 PT
BGreen
You injured your hand? It's going to be OK, isn't it?A weak hand is not good news for anyone, but it sounds catastrophic for a professional guitarist. You're going to be alright? Right?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #24 posted by FoM on July 21, 2016 at 04:45:16 PT
Universer
We have been through a very long and hard journey together and I and others here can't help but feel love for each other. Those that are still here and those that have moved on are forever in my heart. Those that have passed away will never be forgotten either.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #23 posted by Universer on July 20, 2016 at 21:00:04 PT
Best. Thread. Ever.
Such lovely warmth.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #22 posted by FoM on July 15, 2016 at 13:18:18 PT
BGreen
Take care of yourself and I wish you the very best! Take care of your hand.
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Comment #21 posted by BGreen on July 15, 2016 at 05:35:32 PT
I agree, FoM
I've gone through a lot of losses in the past few years. One of the things that has helped me get through it all is the way I've observed you handle the inordinate amount of loss you've had to deal with. I very much admire you and thank you.I'm right in the middle of a big project so I'm lagging way behind in responding. I hurt my dominant hand so everything is going really slowly.Bud
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on July 13, 2016 at 08:12:04 PT

BGreen
I understand exactly what you are saying. I too felt like you have over the years but one profound event in my life changed my thinking forever. It was the dignified death of my son. Nothing since then has seemed to be that important to allow my self to get upset. If I do get upset I turn it off really fast by shifting gears into positive and grateful thoughts.PS: I lost my one e-mail account for some reason so if that is the one you use to talk to me and I don't respond please let me know.
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Comment #19 posted by BGreen on July 13, 2016 at 04:26:43 PT

FoM, Sam Adams and Hope
That's really cool about your FB group and reuniting with your friend, FoM. I believe more than ever that people are placed in our lives for a very specific reason, even if we're never cognizant of that reason.Sam Adams, I've come to realize that I have allowed the anger of others to manifest itself through me. I am no better and I am no worse than any other human. I was put on this earth to shine with the gifts I have been given. I can make people smile and I can entertain them through my music. I've never felt comfortable trying to be the brand of "normal" that we're all trained to be. It has been my quest to regain my own normality which exists within me only as that which is positive. Love, kindness, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, cooperation, joy, acceptance, understanding ... these are the things that have always been in my heart, yet almost completely thrown aside by my willingness to take on the negative energy of others.Hope, Mrs. Green and I return the love. I want to return to posting and am excited about applying my new (and also original) mindset to current events. I want to exercise patience and understanding with my words to lift others up, realizing that the universe and its Source are perfect and we humans are not.Look what we've accomplished! The truth will always prevail and we have been an integral part of this revelation to the world.Bud
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on July 12, 2016 at 05:58:43 PT

 MikeEEEEE
I have learned to tune out to their views. I let it go very fast anymore. 
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Comment #17 posted by MikeEEEEE on July 11, 2016 at 18:40:09 PT

FoM
The corporate media hates the internet, yes, something they cannot control. The only thing they can do is direct the suckers, oops!, I mean viewers, to their website. Just face it, and they know, the stupids or uninformed, out-number the few or intelligent. Just remember, the old tricks are the tried and best. 
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on July 11, 2016 at 18:28:18 PT

MikeEEEEE
Thank you. There is one thing we have now that matters and it is the Internet. We can make noise and more noise and finally they hear us. We are winning and we will win this battle. 
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Comment #15 posted by MikeEEEEE on July 11, 2016 at 18:06:59 PT

FoM 
You really made a good point. The psychological part of the propaganda. Just look at the evening news as an example (note the word programming): 20 minutes of fear and corruption (or other negativity), a few minutes of weather, a few health, hard luck stories where the corporation makes believe they care, or that they can solve the problem, or that you can trust them (rolling on floor), then sports. Fear, of course!, is the best way to control the sheep, keep us divided, keep the system the way they want. By the way, they do not care that we know. They hold the portal, are the propaganda pro's (hitler would be proud), and blackout anyone who could expose them, that is, on the air. 
For instance, the election for the corporate puppet/president, they blackout anybody but demorats and republicons. Enjoy the show. But there is hope, as many more are waking up, but fear produced by terror, are great distractions from a good path. One truth I'll share with you: the current healthcare system, or lack of it, kills more people than terrorism will ever, but the focus has been fear. Another, climate change is killing more people than terrorism will ever do. 
Perhaps you can think of more. 
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on July 11, 2016 at 11:07:34 PT

Divide and Conquer
That's how they win. Instill hatred and lots of fear and nothing good for our country comes from it. It stops change and acceptance of those with different ideas. 
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Comment #13 posted by Sam Adams on July 11, 2016 at 10:11:09 PT

BGreen
those are wise words, I hear you on staying postive at all times. Of course we all need to love each other, regardless of which bathroom a person goes into. Look at the petty and silly ways they try to divide us. Our system works by turning everyone against each other around the world. It seems they want to bring out the worst in people.
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Comment #12 posted by Hope on July 10, 2016 at 22:51:08 PT

BGreen!
So ready to see your thoughts on the issue these days, old friend. Love to you and Mrs. Green!
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #11 posted by FoM on July 10, 2016 at 20:10:22 PT

BGreen
You should send a friends request to me. I have literally met wonderful people on FB and one of the most special is I reconnected with my childhood friend I had lost contact with since my early 20s. She is totally on our side in this issue too. She lived on the sea with her husband and children for 25 years. 
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Comment #10 posted by BGreen on July 10, 2016 at 19:10:49 PT

Hi FoM!
I only use FB to enter sweepstakes but I will definitely email you directly.I have been around this entire time but I chose not to post until I could come to grips with my transformation.Bud
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on July 10, 2016 at 18:37:31 PT

BGreen
I am on FB and I read trending news but I don't get into any discussions about politics or argumentative issues. I have a rottweiler group that is a little over a year old and I have over 1700 members. I run a tight ship and am only intolerant of intolerance. 
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on July 10, 2016 at 18:34:09 PT

The GCW
You're welcome. The ball is rolling faster and faster now and I love it.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #7 posted by FoM on July 10, 2016 at 18:32:20 PT

BGreen
How wonderful it is to see you! It's been way too long. Send me an e-mail when you have time. Are you on Facebook?
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #6 posted by The GCW on July 10, 2016 at 17:43:58 PT

FoM,
thanks for the linkI'm optimistic they'll make a move but inadequate.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #5 posted by BGreen on July 10, 2016 at 16:00:51 PT

We've won but it has yet to be completely revealed
A warm hello from BGreen 2.0!I have been on a spiritual journey the past few years that required me to reevaluate every single thing that I have ever believed in, in order to allow the real me to finally reveal itself.I will post more to further explain my transition but, to put it simply, I will only subsist as an agent of love, compassion and kindness.I love everyone. That includes all of the people who have done harm and even continue to do so. That is hard but it is necessary.I'm not against anything ... I'm for everything that is righteous and true.I won't condemn or attack, I'll just support and encourage the truth.I have always believed I was better than the anger I harbored and I now know it for sure.Stress is gone for me. Fighting is gone for me. Feeling bad because of the lack of something is gone. Speaking negatively is gone. Bad feelings of all kinds are gone.All of us here on CNews have known a truth that has been obfuscated to the majority of humans. I've said for a long time that I believed that the cannabis plant is the "tree of life" as described in the Bible. Even at that I seem to have underestimated the pure magic that exists with this plant.I want to come back to CNews as the new person that I am. To be more clear, I'm actually the person I have always been without all of the negative programming.I love my CNews family!I used to identify as "Reverend," not because I deserved to be revered, just because I am ordained through the Universal Life Church as an agent of spiritual purveyance. I've decided to rename myself as The Reverent Bud Green because I am nothing but grateful.The Reverent Bud Green
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on July 10, 2016 at 10:09:16 PT

Feds Nearing a Decision
Feds Nearing a Decision on Whether Pot has Medical PotentialURL: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article88528557.html
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Comment #3 posted by Oleg the Tumor on July 10, 2016 at 09:25:06 PT

Why This Should Be Good News
A few months ago, before Gov. Christie joined the Trump campaign, he made some comments indicating that he would jail the state of Colorado for legalizing cannabis."Smoke up now Colorado, because when I get in…"It was a rude thing to say, to say the least, and that means that the candidacy of Donald J Trump is no friend of ours! What Mr. Christie seems to be saying is that the rule of law is the rule of law, even if it was paid for in cash, political favors or any other coin of the political realm. It's "We got the law through, now it's tough crap for you because you didn't catch us at the time."The fact is that we can no longer defend our use of oil. The fact remains., Oil is a toxic substance that we pump out of the ground to refine into the very best of carcinogens. Think of all the words that end in "– ene" (like benzene).The oxidation (or burning) of hydrocarbon releases all of the solar energy that was originally invested in the plant material by the sun.Releasing the solar energy from millions of years ago is the equivalent of setting up extra suns in the sky to release that energy now.The definition of "sustainable" involves the release of gasses from burning that come only from the atmosphere originally, not pumped up from the earth's lymph nodes to be compounded like a negative interest rate.We have reached the point where are such terms as "sustainable" and "alternative energy" have meaning only under the presumption that we (Congress) will continue the oil depletion allowance that pays for oil companies to discover new sources of oil!The fact is that we must now seek out all of the agricultural answers to the problem of "Man Made Materials" to replace oil.I'm an optimist, generally, but I have to admit this is one issue that I feel more than just a little bit of pessimism. History seems to reveal the paroxysm of humans willing to walk into a room and argue with anyone about who arrived first! Either we legalize oil substitutes or we are done for!To say that Hillary is a friend of cannabis users is a bit of a stretch, but here is her chance.
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Comment #2 posted by MikeEEEEE on July 10, 2016 at 07:48:22 PT

What aboout....?
What about the big corporate interests that have been controlling policy? 
Legalization sounds good, and is common sense, but after the next corporate puppet is elected, I'm not oppitmistic. I believe it will be bu$$ine$$ a$ u$ual.
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Comment #1 posted by HempWorld on July 10, 2016 at 07:12:24 PT

"appropriate use of force"
For growing a plant!?Yes, on and on we go, study some more... Bla, bla, bla...The do do do, the da da da... (Police lyrics)
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