cannabisnews.com: Reform Candidate Calls for Legalization of MJ Reform Candidate Calls for Legalization of MJ Posted by FoM on September 29, 1999 at 20:35:24 PT By Dane Smith Source: Star Tribune James Gibson, the only Reform Party candidate so far for the U.S. Senate in 2000, issued a statement Wednesday calling for "regulation of marijuana" rather than the "failed prohibition policies of the past." Gibson, in an e-mailed news release, said he favored a "legal distribution framework" and a "license system similar to alcohol" to restrict access to minors. He said many high school students say obtaining marijuana is easier than buying alcohol. He argued that's because dealers don't face any legal sanction or regulation. "Marijuana is downright benign compared to hard drugs, such as cocaine or heroin," Gibson said. Its prohibition has increased the level and profitability of criminal activity, he said.Gibson, 46, a software developer from Edina, didn't talk to Gov. Jesse Ventura or Reform Party leaders about taking his position on legalization, said Neal Levine, Gibson's campaign manager.However, Ventura has expressed sympathy for decriminalizing or legalizing "victimless" crimes, including drug use and prostitution. But Ventura also has emphasized that he isn't pushing for legislative changes in those regards. Gibson "has never used marijuana himself," his statement said.Thursday, September 30, 1999 © Copyright 1999 Star TribuneVentura Forms Council To Look at Drug Prevention - 9/29/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3066.shtmlGovernor Support Legalization of Heroin, Marijuana - 9/29/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3073.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #5 posted by FoM on September 30, 1999 at 07:06:47 PT Thanks Doc! Thanks Doc! Please keep us informed as your web site develops and I will look into the differences in the parties very soon. What turns me off about the Libertarian party is they seem to be insensitive to the disadvantaged. I watch Politically Incorrect and I came to that conclusion when Bill Maher would talk about different issues other then drug issues so I really am at a loss for how they stand on caring for the poor of our country.Peace, FoM! [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Doc-Hawk on September 30, 1999 at 05:47:25 PT Libertarian URL Sorry, I forgot to post the URL for the Libertarian Party.Doc Libertarian Party [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Doc-Hawk on September 30, 1999 at 05:04:44 PT: Reform vs Libertarian Parties Hi FoM,No they are not the same. The Libertarian party has many positive ideas but the main one that most can support is the decriminalization of victimless crimes. While some of their "free-market" policies are fairly far out, they offer a choice between the Democrats and Republicans. Unfortunately, neither the Reform or Libertarian Parties can get enough votes to shake up the status quo -- unless we all get involved.Thanks,Doc WarOnSomeDrugs [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on September 29, 1999 at 21:08:38 PT Do You Know? Rainbow I think I will check it out too. I have a question. Is the reform party the libertarian party or are they different. I just don't know and it might seem like a silly question but I really would like to know. I don't agree with some of the libertarians platform but I do with their drug policy approach.Peace, FoM! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Rainbow on September 29, 1999 at 20:47:29 PT: Join the ReForm Party I spoke with a few in the Reform party. I asked the republicans why they wouldn't change their minds about their compassionate stand on MJ and MMJ.I got positive responses from the Reform Party and NO response from the Republicans.I am joining the Reform Party and I encourage others to do the same.I see honesty and a lack of meanspirited people in the Reform Party and I like that. Their platform is suited to this activist as well.I think the Republicans and Democrats have talked themselves into a corner that they can not get out of.CheersRainbow [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: