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20 million marijuana arrests and counting
Published October 07, 2008 @ 05:12AM PST
Despite all of the talk of change this election season (I mean change, not change.org, although there's a lot of talk about change.org, too), there has been little mention of America's disastrous war on drugs. Meanwhile, we're quickly approaching a milestone - 20 million marijuana arrests - and there is no end in sight. NORML director Paul Armentano writes in In These Times about the disastrous effects of these misguided policies.
Since the early '90s, the total number of Americans busted annually for pot has nearly tripled. In 1991, police arrested a modern low of 288,000 people for minor marijuana violations in the United States, according to the FBI's annual Uniform Crime Report. By 2006 (the last year for which data is available), a record 830,000 people were arrested. (Of those arrested, an estimated 90 percent are charged with minor possession - not trafficking, cultivation or sale.)
A new report from respected U.K. think tank the Beckley Foundation finds that alcohol and tobacco are more harmful to society than marijuana. The British government recently downgraded the penalties for marijuana offenses (from class B to less-serious class C), but lawmakers are considering reverting to class B.
In the U.S., marijuana decriminalization is making slow progress in the face of the still-frenzied and still-failing drug war. Massachusetts voters will consider a ballot initiative on November 4th to join 12 states in decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Polls are showing wide support for the question in Mass. Get involved in the Massachusetts campaign here.
1. President Obama must uphold his campaign promise to cease the federal arrest and prosecution of (state) law-abiding medical cannabis patients and dispensaries by appointing leaders at the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the US Department of Justice, and the US Attorney General’s office who will respect the will of the voters in the thirteen states that have legalized the physician-supervised use of medicinal marijuana.2. President Obama should use the power of the bully pulpit to reframe the drug policy debate from one of criminal policy to one of public health. Obama can stimulate this change by appointing directors to the Office of National Drug Control Policy who possess professional backgrounds in public health, addiction, and treatment rather than in law enforcement.3. President Obama should follow up on statements he made earlier in his career in favor of the decriminalization of marijuana by adults by calling for the creation of a bi-partisan Presidential Commission to review the budgetary, social, and health costs associated with federal marijuana prohibition, and to make progressive recommendations for future policy changes.
Posted by ray lakers on 12/10/2008 @ 04:19PM PST
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Once again the call goes out for "Legalization." If the new President really wants to boost the economy, then do away with the Office of the "Drug Czar," move cannabis from a Schedule One controlled no medicinal value, to at least a Schedule Two Physician prescribed.
Release all "Non-Violent" drug offenders, pardon all Federal cannabis prisoners, and call for the States to do the same.
Re-instate the right to obtain PELL Grants, receive Food Stamps, and allow Section 8 Housing. Discontinue denial of Government programs to those with cannabis related offenses, and restore full privilege to those with cannabis convictions.
"You take a glass of water, and you make it against the law. See how good that water tastes, when you can't have any at all." CCR
Prohibition does not work, didn't the era of Al Capone, Murder Inc., etc., sink in? Obviously not since for some unknown reason, the Government is convinced that the "War On Drugs" is working, eventhough less than 1% of all drugs entering the United States, are seized. The Government lies, that's more than obvious, so why should we buy in to "We Are Winning the War on Drugs" propaganda being spread on a daily basis, along with commercials on television paid for with tax payer money, and full of lies and unaulterated Bull Pucky!!
Yes a car driving in to a fast food drive-thru filled with smoke, does not attract the attention of anyone, much less the police. Highly doubtfull, and a total slam to cops everywhere. Unobservent they are not!!
Get serious, it's time to decriminalize, legalize, reclassify, but quit arresting, incarcerating, and procrastinating. This plant/weed should have remained available as a medicine, made available for industrial use, and made available for recreational use. In this time of economic crisis, I can't think of a better product to market, and reward our economy, by employing people. Gee!! what a strange concept, economic gain, security, safety, and a sound permenant source of revenue. :-)
Posted by David Herrick on 12/10/2008 @ 07:56PM PST
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Once again the call goes out for "Legalization." If the new President really wants to boost the economy, then do away with the Office of the "Drug Czar," move cannabis from a Schedule One controlled no medicinal value, to at least a Schedule Two Physician prescribed.
Release all "Non-Violent" drug offenders, pardon all Federal cannabis prisoners, and call for the States to do the same.
Re-instate the right to obtain PELL Grants, receive Food Stamps, and allow Section 8 Housing. Discontinue denial of Government programs to those with cannabis related offenses, and restore full privilege to those with cannabis convictions.
"You take a glass of water, and you make it against the law. See how good that water tastes, when you can't have any at all." CCR
Prohibition does not work, didn't the era of Al Capone, Murder Inc., etc., sink in? Obviously not since for some unknown reason, the Government is convinced that the "War On Drugs" is working, eventhough less than 1% of all drugs entering the United States, are seized. The Government lies, that's more than obvious, so why should we buy in to "We Are Winning the War on Drugs" propaganda being spread on a daily basis, along with commercials on television paid for with tax payer money, and full of lies and unaulterated Bull Pucky!!
Yes a car driving in to a fast food drive-thru filled with smoke, does not attract the attention of anyone, much less the police. Highly doubtfull, and a total slam to cops everywhere. Unobservent they are not!!
Get serious, it's time to decriminalize, legalize, reclassify, but quit arresting, incarcerating, and procrastinating. This plant/weed should have remained available as a medicine, made available for industrial use, and made available for recreational use. In this time of economic crisis, I can't think of a better product to market, and reward our economy, by employing people. Gee!! what a strange concept, economic gain, security, safety, and a sound permenant source of revenue. :-)
Posted by David Herrick on 12/10/2008 @ 07:56PM PST
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I'm sixty years old and I lived through the sixties when marijuana use was ubiquitous. I didn't see anything wrong with it then and I see nothing wrong with it now. EXCEPT, of course, it's against the law. Why? Because the powerful liquor lobbyists see legalization of marijuana as a threat to their profits. I firmly believe that marijuana must be legalized, now! Considering that the United States has more people in prison than ANY other country in the world, maybe it's time to stop jailing innocent people for marijuana possession, and release those who have been incarcerated for using weed. Stop drug dealers and traffickers from profiting from it. Who does marijuana use hurt? The taxpayers that's who! IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP AMERICA!!!
Posted by Johnny Popp on 12/11/2008 @ 01:50AM PST
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man made drugs or mother earth given drugs i choose mother earth
Posted by kyle carr on 12/11/2008 @ 03:05AM PST
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I trust mother earth let me smoke marijuana in peace please im 18 i can make mi decision now my body my choice my rights for freedom!marijuana doesnt kill its medicine you can make clothes,ropes,food,fuel,energy,plastics out of it its number 1 cash crop legalize it i believe it can change the world!!
Posted by Gabriel Robles on 12/11/2008 @ 04:01AM PST
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i have family in law inforcment and the only reson theyre against it is because its against the law,otherwise they beleive theres nothing wrong with it. its safer than alcohol AND cigerettes, and with our failing economy, the legalization or at least decriminalization of this god made plant could only benefit our country. plus help our law inforcment consintrate more on serious crimes,instead of waisting tax payers money on responsable adults and adults who use it as an aid to help with ailments such as cancer and fibromialga and glacoma and migrains etc...20 million arrests and counting? ...for simple posession?, are yo kidding me?, these prison beds should be filled with rapests, murderers, child molesters etc...the ones who pose a REAL threat to all of us. whens the last time you were truely afraid of a pothead? ....thats what i thought!!~
Posted by tracey hamilton on 12/11/2008 @ 06:17AM PST
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Please stop the federal investigations, prosecutions and imprisonment of medical marijuana providers, care givers and patients, as soon as possible. These ignorant, self defeating, draconian behaviors by our federal government are repugnant and morally reprehensible.
Posted by Daniel Seidenberg on 12/11/2008 @ 07:52AM PST
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where the hell do you vote for pot change on this site are u HACKED or what !!!!!
Posted by charles miller on 12/11/2008 @ 08:13AM PST
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All one need do to see how prohibition of a substance does not work is to is look back to the prohibition of alcohol. If people want to use marijuana that is exactly what they will do, legal or not. If it is legal, then the government can control it, and the government will make the money from it, not drug cartels. Also, law enforcement can spend thier limited budgets on more useful criminal prevention.
Posted by tony couch on 12/11/2008 @ 08:33AM PST
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The government just doesn't get it. Drugs and money don't fuel the "Drug War." Policy does! If "honey" were suddenly made illegal, there would be that faction of society that would supply it. Same is true if it were "auto parts." Cartels come into being to fill a "void." It doesn't matter what the product is. At the beginning of the 20th Century, all the "banned" drugs could easily be purchased at the corner drug store. There was NO problem until we re-entered PROHIBITION. Guns, bullets and millions of $$, via Plan Mexico, won't stop the cartels. Change the policy and things will become different, quickly.
Posted by John White on 12/11/2008 @ 09:45AM PST
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Millions of dollars could be saved by legalizing mariuana for medicinal and recreational use (by adults). THe problem with lowering the priority of marijuana is it puts too much poer into the hands of the police. When a policeman encounters an adult smoking marijuana he can choose not the courts or the justice system whether or not to arrest the person. Usually this results in minorities being arrested and whitepeople being let go. Legalizing marijuana would eliminate this prejudicial power of the police
Posted by David Madsen on 12/11/2008 @ 12:13PM PST
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a bright retail taxable distrubtion base, or a dark alley with the cost of undercover, jail, public defender and court cost (judges are not cheep) for 20 million pot smokers. when it could be an income. and not a costly mistake. plus the medical benifits. wake up america
Posted by richard dailey on 12/11/2008 @ 03:45PM PST
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It's about time we woke up to our hypocrisy on cannabis. Just legalize it already! People can enjoy marijuana just as responsibly as they do liquor and beer.
Posted by Chris Edwards on 12/11/2008 @ 04:22PM PST
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I believe that the issue here is access to Cannabis by the youth, its a nail in the coffin, just like cigarettes and alcohol. Legalization must come through steps. Rescheduling would be a good first. I don't know if I agree with having pot 'clinics', I'd rather see regular citizens being able to grow a decent amount for personal consumption and be taxed for growing. For people with medical problems who can't grow themselves either a caregiver or a state run service would suffice. Somehow, at least until the stigma of 'evil pot' wears off, Cannabis should be a private thing. The sale of of it should still be illegal, this way the criminal element gets "weeded"(pun intended) out.
Posted by Darren Scott Lewis on 12/11/2008 @ 05:41PM PST
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I think that the biggest obstacle in the legalizing/decriminalizing marijuana movement is the people who want it legalized for recreational purposes, but fail to educate themselves. Those who spout trite sayings to justify their beliefs don't convince anyone, and make an entire group of people appear ignorant. As a person who lives with chronic pain, nothing in the world would make my life easier than legalization of pot. It is a proven fact that more deaths per year are alcohol related than ten years of marijuana deaths (as a matter of fact, I have never read of a death directly caused by marijuana). However, due to the politics and propaganda since the 1970s, legalization is going to be a difficult battle to win. In order to achieve this goal, massive amounts of responsibly performed research proving the conclusion that a group of us already know will have to be performed and circulated.
We need to find reputable researchers who are not afraid to seek and find the truth about marijuana, and will stand behind their findings regardless of the political backlash.
Posted by Lorinda Justus on 12/11/2008 @ 05:42PM PST
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Okay Legalization of Marijuana is a step in the right direction, but the real problem is the war on drugs, not just weed, all drugs. It would do the country so much good to just legalize all drugs and end this failed drug war. Firstly let me start of by saying that the Legality of drugs almolst NEVER has any effect on wether or not people use or do not use. Legalizing all drugs would not increase use, because people in general understand the negitive effects of drugs (I am a strong proponent of Informitive, non biased drug education, not dare which is little more than baseles propaganda, to properly educate the populace about drugs). for those who are not convinced, consider this: when people decide to use a drug, they never intend on getting caught, so respective penalties to their respective drugs are aribtrary. however plenty of people choose not to use certain drugs because of propper information about risk of addiction and death and other negitve effects. so penalties for drugs are irellivent and should be removed. Next. the United States has the largest percentage of its population incarcerated, and yes thats over china, iran and every other repressive country on earth, whats to blame? the drug war. many jailed americans are incarcerated because of NON-VIOLENT drug offences, they werent hurting anyone, if they were addicted, they should be treated by a doctor, addiction is a medical condition not a criminal offense. the USA also has more incarcerated African Americans per 100,000 than South Africa Under Apartied, This Statistic alone makes my hart sink despite the fact that i am white, we have outdone the overtly racist, arthipied regime in jailing minorities. Pathetic. how can one even say america is the "land of the free" with legitimate statistics like that which i have just described. want to know why so many african americans are jailed? again you can thank drug policy, particularly the disparity between sentencing for crack offenses vs cocaine offenses. they are both different forms of the same drug, howver crack penalties are over 1,000 times harsher. why? i personaly blame racisim among political elites and the police, african americans use crack at a higher percentage than cocaine (among african americans) but around 65% of the population which uses crack is white, however somthing close to 85% sentenced for crack offenses are Black (for those who want more accurate statistics visit LEAP.org) now tell me that the drug war isnt racist. many nonviolent drug offenders are funcioning members of society, with families, and jobs, who contribute to society and to the economy. want to fix our economic problems mr. obama? then for god's sake let the nonviolent productive members of society out of jail. they dont deserve to even be classified with rapists, murderers, and child molestors. next, gangs flourish because of the illeagal status of drugs, the illegality of drugs creates a black market, where the price of drugs is artificialy raised, making it a great venture for those looking for an easy buck, on average Marijuana is worth more than gold (per ounce) and Heroin is worth more than Uranium (per ounce) MORE THAN URANIUM, the stuff thats used to make neuclear weapons. with this massive profit incentive its a no brainer why people are killing each other out on the streets, there is tons of money in the drug trade, if drugs were legalized gangs would vanish, simply because they would be put out of business by legitimate sellers who could provide a cheaper product. also if all drugs were legal they could be regulated by the government, that means no more lacing of drugs with poisons, by dealers who are looking to increase thier wieght of drugs to make more, so many less people would die from drugs if they were sold legitimatly (and because the black market would be gone) for cheaper. this would greatly reduce deaths from gang violence (the numbers are staggering per year and are in the high thousands) and the deaths from overdoses or bad drugs. Legal drugs could be taxed by the government and could revitalize social programs to help the poor and homless, and could rebuild social security, a system which is on the verge of faliure, Also with the end of the drug war, billions of taxpayer dollars could be realocated and spent improving the country, less cops would die fighting a usless war, the respect of the government would be restored among the populace because as Einstien himself said "nothing reduces the respect for government more than laws that can not be enforced." when einstine said this he was refering to alchohol prohabiton, which is completly comprable to the drug prohabition. remember Al Capone and the prohabiton gangsters didnt kill people cause they were drunk, they killed people cause they got in the way of thier black market business, the same applies to drugs, end the drug war, end the gangs. who can disagree with that? also heres another fun fact. prior to the drug war, a survey was done by the government that found 1.3% of the population was addicted to drugs, now after years of death and destruction, billions of dollars wasted, STILL 1.3% of the population is addicted to drugs. These are real statistics folks. they show that the drug war is NOTHING BUT FAILURE.Mr. Obama if you truely want to change this country for the better, Listen to the american people and end the drug war which has devestated our country, end institutionalized racisim caused by drug sentencing, and revitalize the social programs which do not recive money because its being spent fighitng a failed drug war.
Posted by Ben Shapiro on 12/11/2008 @ 07:18PM PST
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After visiting norml.com, I read "Ideas For Change:" and it made me feel hope for reform. I usually end up pissed after reading the MJ news, but not now. Thats gotta be a good sign.
P.S. Its 4:20 somewhere.
Posted by Stephen Olson on 12/11/2008 @ 07:20PM PST
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From the onset here in California, the ability to cultivate, or obtain cannabis through "Legal" channels has been the primary concern. There are those who for whatever reason, can not "Grow Their Own." And if you look at H&S 11362.5 of the California (Health and Safety Code), you will find that the hope was that local officials, community reps., and members of the medicinal community could get together and "Work Out" some kind of an acceptable means of obtaining ones cannabis.
Being the first person in Southern California to be arrested, tried, and convicted of "Aiding and Abetting" in the furnishing of three quarters of an ounce of cannabis, (Correct, 21 grams), to a terminally ill cancer patient, who possessed a valid written recommendation to use cannabis, as did I.
I was sentenced to four (4) years in State Prison, but released after serving twenty-nine months, after the California Fourth District Court of Appeal Reversed my conviction, based upon "Prosecutorial Misconduct with Tacit Judicial Approvel."
Having been a part of a Coopertive of patients, who had ten members all with valid recommendations, and valid State Issued Identification Cards, listing each of us as a Marijuana Patient, we were still raided by the local police and county sheriff, our plants confiscated, and our security system and garden destroyed.
Yes, I do understand quite well the hypocracy it is certainly quite the delemma, you follow the law, and Law Enforcement raids your home, conficates all your hard work and leaves you nothing but a copy of a reciept and a court date when you get bailed out of jail, if you are lucky to get out of jail.
I spent fourteen (14) months in the Orange County California Mens Central Jail fighting my case. So I know about jail, and I also know about prison, and I know neither one should a cannabis user, provider, grower, ever see and especially from the inside looking out.
But examples are made every day, and the judicial system is far from perfect. But still there should be no excuse. No excuse when the livelyhood, the freedom, and the liberties of an individual are at stake, and definitely no "Tacit Judicial" anything.
Distribution, safe and secure growing capability, is what most patients want and need. Whether in small coopertives of a few patients, to larger collectives, it must come down to how are we going to allow cannabis to be obtained, and used legally.
I pray that Mr. Obama heeds the call of those who benefit from this plant regarless if it is for medicinal, industrial, or recreational use. The point is, if he is truly serious about letting the States handle their own use laws, then at least ask the DEA to back off, and let us do it.
As one of the previous writers noted, we can abide by the laws regarding alcohol and cigarette use, we should have no problem dealing with marijuana. Agreed!!
Posted by David Herrick on 12/11/2008 @ 07:33PM PST
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I propose a Constitutional Amendment...
"There shall be no law made or enforced respecting the Cannabis plant or natural products of the Cannabis plant. The Right of the People to use Cannabis or natural products of Cannabis shall not be infringed."
Honestly...what would be wrong with this???
With a government that likes to take advantange of every legal technicality possible, it's time we solidify and specifically identify each and every Right we wish to retain. Stitch up the loopholes and secure our Liberties against this tide of fascism that threatens to wash over our beloved Land. God Bless America.
Posted by Greg Kempen on 12/11/2008 @ 08:33PM PST
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I may be wrong, but I believe the greatest obstacle to the legalization of cannabis on a federal level is the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. This is a measure signed by the US and 53 other nations in 1961 which states that all signers must "adopt such measures as may be necessary to prevent the misuse of, and illicit traffic in the leaves of the cannabis plant." among MANY other things. If the movement to legalize cannabis was to make any successful changes in federal policy or law, it may cause serious foreign-policy problems because the US has been the driving force behind drug criminalization since it's creation. For all the benefits many believe, and some KNOW, legalization would provide, to bring about any REAL CHANGE, these archaic laws and policies must be re-examined on a global level.
Posted by Ryan Burton on 12/11/2008 @ 10:05PM PST
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Mr Obama,
Please allow the American public to pay taxes on their medical and recreational Cannabis, there by helping to support this great coutry in these difficult ecomonic times. Please allow the American publicthe oppurtunity to support legally licensed American Cannabis Growers, there by keeping American monies in American hands so it may flow down into other areas of the economy. Please allow the American public the oppurtunity to stem the flow of United States Dollars to foreign criminals by supporting an American based Cannabis Cultivation Culture. There are so many reasons to Legalize Cannabis. But if for no other reason, do it for the money that will stay in the United States, supporting the United States, it's Citizens and it's security in today's Global Economic Market!
Posted by Alan J V on 12/12/2008 @ 08:08AM PST
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Before we get our hopes too high for the Obama administration, remember that more arrests, convictions, and incarceration for marijuana related crime, occured under the Clinton administration. So far the President-Elect has not impressed me in his speech(s) or comments regarding marijuana law reform, rescheduling, or whether he will instruct the next "Drug Czar" to call off the "Dogs of War." I doubt if we will see the raids stop, I doubt that a move to reschedule or reclassify will occur upon any recommendation from Obama, or any member of his administration. I don't see Democrats being necessarily any better when it comes to taking a stand to reform "Drug Laws" or to abolisih the O.N.D.C.P. which the President can do.
I don't have much faith that any significant "Change" will occur regarding "Legalization or Decriminalization" of marijuana, especially if left up to the Democratic Congress. They can't even keep their promise to do the "Peoples Work."
I too have been around sixty years, and I have heard alot of promises come down the pike, and why should Obama be any different? No, if the American people were really smart, there would be more than a two party system, no electorial college, and a better method of voting. Even after his victory, I am sure some votes were not counted, some were stored away and never counted, some were lost, and some just didn't record.
"Legalization" in my lifetime? Highly doubtful!! Decriminalization, reclassification, rescheduling, Highly likely!! It will take determination and perserverence, to acheive it, but "Legalized" as available on the open market as cigarettes and alcohol are today, highly unlikely. For all the talk about how bad the economy is, and how bad we need a "Jump Start," The "Jumper Cables" are in the form of a "Weed" which can cost as little as 54 cents per plant to grow. (Outdoor)
Highly unlikely that any of Jack Herer's advice will be heeded, highly unlikely any major relaxation in current "Drug Policy" will occur. For if you did what Jack suggests and "Follow the Money," you will see that two many businesses, industries, and corporations have a vested interest in keeping the "War On Drugs" up and running. The drug "Treatment" industry, the "Drug" testing labs, the reporting to Child Protective Service by physicians who discover "Illegal or Illicit" drug use by a pregnant woman, or the reporting of "Drug Use" by children of parents who "Use."
No, we have allowed puritanical, moral principals, to act as some kind of "Themometer" in determining whether or not as a people we are having too much fun! And if we are, then eliminate the cause. They tried in alcohol prohibition, they are attempting it through cigarette prohibition, (Anti-smoking laws), and they will continue to attack so called "Recreational" drugs.
I too grew up in the 60's and 70's, and I am alive, relatively well, and do not look sixty years old, and I have been using cannabis off and on since I was thirteen years old. Do the math!! And I can state that even with C.O.P.D., Degenerating Disks in my lower back, Gall Stones, and PTSD, cannabis is the only medication I take, and my physician is totally amazed by my abilities to breathe without conventional medicine, and to endure my chronic pain, (The disks are fusing together on their own and it can be quite painful at times), without coventional pain medication. (No Vicodin, Oxy, Morphine), (No Zoloft, Advair).
No if "Change" really is going to occur, it has to begin with the demolishing of the Office of the Drug Czar, the end to the "War On Drugs," and the rescheduling of all drugs including marijuana.
For some unknown reason, I am not going to hold my breath on this one, for I have heard all the "I'm going to do's" and empty promises from politicians along with their excuses as to why it can't be done. I have seen all the "Side-Stepping," and question avoidence, to believe that Obama is in some way different then any of the others. He is a politician, he has an ego, (You have to have if you want to be President), he side-steps quite well, and he isn't in office yet, so one can not comment on his effectiveness or ineffectiveness at this point in time. I just hope that he is not just "The Same Old Wine, In a Brand New Bottle."
Posted by David Herrick on 12/12/2008 @ 08:54AM PST
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Mr Obama, what would you rather live next to a Cannabis user or a alcoholic ?
Posted by Jesus Medina on 12/12/2008 @ 09:39AM PST
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Normal 0 DRUG WAR FOR IDIOTS: You can go to a doctor he can prescribe an opium derivative or a synthetic heroin they even have a THC pills. So why are some drugs illegal and some are legal. Even the most unsophisticated individual should be able to see the War on Drugs is a scam. It is a way to take 100 billion of your money plus the 50 billion lost in tax revenue and blow it. If you are on the receiving end (our representatives Senate/House) you get rich. The most important thing to me is the estimated 2,000,000 (that’s Two Million and growing every day) of our fellow American citizens in jail. They are non-violent marijuana users responsible free Americans with rights! They are your sons, daughters, parents and even grand parents. They are having homes taken away from third generation owners. They are the old man down the street that everyone likes jailed. They are college students having their futures ruined. They are mothers having their children taken away. They are sick people being deprived of a medicine that works for them. They are disabled people having their Medicare benefits taken away. They are mothers kicked out of public housing and made homeless. They are good young people with no record being raped and even killed in jail. They come out changed scarred for life with distrust for our system and fear for there so-called protectors. They are one in every three blacks. They are mainly the poor and powerless that can be discarded by our so-called leaders (Senate/House)! For what? Growing a weed that helps people, makes them feel better or just to get a buzz and relax in our hectic world (much like drinking a few legal beers without the health hazards of liquor). It is there God given right as Free Americans and they will not conform to a law that is wrong and based on lies started for pure racism in the 30s !!! While the fat cats go to the doctor and get OxyContin (opium derived), which is much stronger and more addictive than opium ever dreamed of being ask Rush (Yet legal). Millions take the so-called legal drugs every year (legal = owned by major drug company and producing 1000% profits to them). Between liquor and so-called legal drugs 600,000 die every year. So why, when people VOTE and make marijuana legal, doctors in 12 states prescribe it. The FEDS STILL (emphasis on STILL) under the direction of our so called leaders (Senate/House) go in and arrest the doctor, his patients, the guy selling the weed, the guy renting the building to the guy selling the weed, even the one in the car with a person selling the weed even if they do not know about it and sending them all to jail? Without a fair trial they are not allowed by the federal judges to present the truth to defend them that is why they have a 99% conviction rate! With mandatory federal minimum sentences they do hard time with long sentences at 45K a year per person. (Ask why here) WHY YOU ASK? It is all for pure simple greed period end of story!! Corporations and others that do not want weed legal because it would cost them $$$$$: Major pharmaceutical companies = estimates are as high as 80% loss. Billions in profits if marijuana were make legal. (It cures many common ailments maybe yours depression, insomnia, cramps, chronic pain, migraines, and many others!) With no side effects you cannot even overdose with weed it is impossible. Drug Czar DEA = They would lose there jobs we save 20 billion of our $$$$$ so do not expect them to tell the truth about this war they will say anything you suckers will believe to keep the war, there job, going! And the money and power that goes with it. Liquor industry = estimates are as high as a 40% market loss billions. Private Jail industry = Total loss they would have to close we would save billions and quit putting our neighbors in jail and ruining there lives (even if they are poor or of color they are still fellow Americans with rights like the right of free choice!! How about life liberty and the pursuit of happiness? (To me the war is illegal and strips us of our rights as free Americans) Drug Testing industry = Loss 44,000,000 a year Our Representatives (Senate/House) = They would lose millions contributed to them through PACs every year from the corporations above. So don’t expect much in the way of truth, compassion or facts from these guys they have been lying to us for decades and taking the money to the bank in big sacks. Or they sell a house for $700,000.00 more than it’s worth to a needy constituent (not the poor kind one needing a favorable vote). They would all lose money and will lie, steal and enslave millions to stop Free Americans from having access to a weed that hurts no one, any one can grow, helps millions ever day and they cannot find a way to profit from. Simple isn’t it? One other point the right wing folks keep throwing up, “Making drugs legal would send the wrong message to the youth of our country.” I have heard that one a million times standard scare tactics they use. Today the youth of American are being drug tested in schools, arrested for a joint and having there lives ruined due to an arrest record, put in jail and being raped, killed and warped. Not to mention the distrust for any authority figure, they know its lies they smoke the stuff (like we use to get an old guy to buy us beer). I say they would be better off if we legalized and regulated drugs (Against the law to sell or give to minors like beer!) Illegal drugs will be sold to anyone with the money its already illegal so who cares, idiot! NOW YOU KNOW!! By the way we need your help open the window shout, “STOP THE WAR ON US.” Save billions return respect for our rights show our representatives who runs this country! It is us the 75% that say you have had your fun with your war enslaving us it’s our turn!
Posted by Fred Hood on 12/12/2008 @ 11:25PM PST
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" IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America when in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. "
Mr. Obama, you and your Administration are the "New Guards," and I strongly suggest that you and Speaker Polosi keep that very fact in mind. No longer do we live in a "Society" of "Tolerence." Citizens do not like being lied too. I do not like being lied too, and I am certain that most of us do not like being lied too.
You have made promises that most of us know you can not or will not keep, and we who have been around for a few promises of "Change" and "No New Taxes," have heard the B.S. before, and in the most part come to accept it. (Me since Eisenhower).
But the Vietnam Era, brought a new light in to this notion of believing what the "Government" tells you. Vietnam, Watergate, Dommino Theory, all lies. And now you spout "More Change," "Better Change," and we have heard it all before, again, and again, over and over!!
Promises made, promises broken, and now comes "More Hope," and "More Change," and for the better or so you, and the rest of the administration "Spokesholes" promise.
So let us talk change, but instead of talk, let's do something about it. First, call off the "Dogs of War" in the "War On Drugs." Simply tell the DEA to stop raiding Coopertives and Dispensaries, and let the States that have enacted medicinal use laws, work distribution out. (California has already addressed that issue in the Attorney Generals Guidelines). Second, abolish the Office of Natrional Drug Control Policy, the "Drug Czar." This is the United States of America, we don't have "Czars" or any kind of a Czar for that matter. The person in that Office, holds entirely to much power for any one person not elected.
Third, propose legislation calling for Congress to reschedule Cannabis in to a Schedule II or III, and remove it from Schedule I where it's "Non-Use" status is obviously not true.
Fourth, open up a branch of the Attorney General's Office to review cases submitted for the "Pardon" of cannabis and other Non-Violent "Drug" offenders. Violence of any kind, threats of violence, weapons, etc. can be of course conditions for denial, but for someone who cultivated, or possessed, had furnished or supplied to others in small scale. This would eliviate the "Majority" of "Overcrowding" occuring in both Federal and State Prison Facilities.
The States, I am certain that most want to eliminate as much "Overcrowding" as possible. It is condusive to the Health and Safety of the Correctional Staff and the Inmates as well. At least that is what we are told everytime the State or Federal Goverment tells us they need to build more prisons, since it will aid in eliminating the "Overcrowding."
No, not incarcerating "Non-Violent" drug offenders, will aid in eliminating "Overcrowding" not building new prisons. In California we Have thirty-Five, (35), permenent prison facilities, I do not know off hand how many fire camps and civilian operated private sector facilities, but I would imagine all told probably around sixty or more incarceration facilities throughout the State of California alone. (Calif. sends some of its inmates to civilian operated and owned prisons under a contract with the State).
Fifth and final suggestion for now, legitimize cannabis in order that it can be taxed, regulated, distributed, cultivated, researched, and most of all, utilized. This is a remarkable "Plant" that needs to be seriously developed for its many uses. To deny the opportunity to do so, would make one wonder why they should believe you, or anything you or your spokesholes had to say. For you see Mr. Obama, action does speak louder then words, unless of course the words describe action as in the case of yours when you stated: "I inhaled, I thought that was the point."
Posted by David Herrick on 12/13/2008 @ 09:29AM PST
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Legalize it! How much social damage has been caused by Drug Laws? Far more damage comes from bad laws than imaginary criminals. The Government should apologise to every American who has been arrested or hassled for simple pot use, it is a disgraceful law in a Free society.
The Pursuit of Happiness is an Unalienable Right of Mankind. Remember?
Posted by Cliff Carrington on 12/13/2008 @ 12:57PM PST
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Legalize it.
Bong Hits 4 Jesus
Posted by MARK RUSSELL on 12/13/2008 @ 07:20PM PST
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I know four people that have died from other drug related overdoses...including alochol. I myself don't smoke or drink. But there is a history of lung cancer in my family, heart disease, liver problems, diabetes etc. What's the main culprit? Tobacco and Alcohol. So theoretically the government promotes the use of hazardous substances over a safer alternative. It almost seems like I'm forced to settle with the two. I smoke weed, I work out, I eat healthy and I'm sure there are many others out there that do the same thing as I do. So maybe our hospitals could save a few bucks. There are 20% fewer tobacco consumers now than there were in the seventies. PEOPLE CATCH ON! The governement needs to stop underminding it's citizens.
Posted by Ryan Berry on 12/14/2008 @ 10:20AM PST
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Agree with the above... stop overcrowding prisons for something so harmless, sell it, tax it, create jobs, boost the economy.
Posted by Aaron Odom on 12/15/2008 @ 12:22PM PST
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I am reading so many good things here from people who are as passionate as I am about legalizing pot. Rep. Barney Franks has introduced a bill in the Senate along with Rep. Ron Paul to legalize it. Please write to your Senators to vote for HR 5843. I know the elction and the bad ecomonmy have this bill "in committee" but the common sense of so many of these proposals to do away completely with Drug Enfocement and prisons and instead commence re-building our economic infrastructure just have to make a difference. Keep up the good work everybody!
Posted by Christine Christian on 12/15/2008 @ 02:15PM PST
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http://www.change.org/ideas/view/legalize_the_medicinal_and_recreational_use_of_marijuana
It's already on this site, but it's not really on the front page or such even with 3000 so supporters
VOTE, make a true change, demand it from our politicians whoever it may be
Posted by Matt Hilend on 12/16/2008 @ 08:39AM PST
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I don't understand WHY the topic of legalizing marijuana is so taboo. IT'S OBVIOUS OUR COUNTRY NEEDS IT, WANTS IT, AND THEREFORE IT'S USE SHOULD BE TAXED AND REGULATED. It saddens me that neither Obama, or his administration is talking about this. I'd say that a little more than half our country is FOR the legalization of marijuana, what the hell is stopping our government from doing so?
LEGALIZE MARIJUANA ALREADY!!!!!!
Posted by Michelle Zopff on 12/16/2008 @ 09:58AM PST
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It is shameful that our representatives lack the testicular (or ovarian) fortitude to take this issue on. No politician wants to be seen as "soft on drugs". The Obama administration will not want legalization of cannabis to be part of its legacy, no matter how sensible it might be. I am not even sure that HR 5843 will make it out of committee. The situation is absurd and based upon gross ignorance....yet there does not seem to be any way out. *sigh*
Posted by Howard Moss on 12/19/2008 @ 02:17PM PST
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It Costs the American Tax Payers $40,000.00+ a year to prosecute and jail(for 1 year) each and every non-violent marijuana user. Talk about wasteful spending! Prohibition is the #1 cause for crime in America, #1 cause for murders, #1 cause for the non-taxable Black Market, #1 cause for unnessicary emissions and non-biodegradable products (plastics,rubbers,paints,petrolium products). Marijuana/Cannabis/Hemp Prohibition is the root of Americas evils!
Get the Facts. Stop the Lies. Let's get Smart America!
Posted by Chris Smith on 12/19/2008 @ 09:12PM PST
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I am sick and tired of people who refuse to look at the truth! Marijuana is a gift to humankind by our creator. Please reject the lie that marijuana is such a harmful plant! Stop the oppression of our people! Stand up to the extreme-right-wing-moralist with hidden agendas whom continually spread lies and other misleading information about the harmful effects of marijuana. This oppression is far more damaging than the responsible cultivation and consumption of such a useful plant could ever be.
Posted by John Cornett on 12/19/2008 @ 09:22PM PST
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Where exactly are we getting all this money wasted to get rid of a plant that grows naturally? Yes, it is a waste to get rid of a completely natural resource. Instead of billions wasted daily, we could be making billions daily to feed our sinking economy. I am sick of my tax dollars being wasted on this government scam. We need to use our tax dollars on educating our future and not locking them up and building more and more prisons.
Polititians are being paid by corporations and not for our best interests at all. I feel Obama needs to prove to us he means change by gutting this so called "War on Drugs". I thought we were free in America but the government owns our bodies and we are not free to ingest a natural plant as we wish to? Our ancestors did? Why can't we?
Are we Americans or aren't we? Is this a Communist China now? Please prove that we are not. It sure seems like it. Stop the War on Drugs! Stop the violence! Stop wasting our tax dollars!
Posted by C. Jayne Armstrong on 12/20/2008 @ 10:13AM PST
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Stop the Drug War. American citizens are not the enemy. Relegalize marijuana. Heal our fractured society.
I'm a Cape Cod grandmother/attorney/daughter of (deceased) Boston police officers and I am more afraid of the police than the pot smokers.
Posted by Mary Foley, Esq on 12/21/2008 @ 05:14AM PST
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" December 21, 2008
Allow marijuana for medical use in N.J.
Drug has been proven effective in treating some medical conditions and should be legal to use for those patients.New Jersey lawmakers took a key step toward allowing those suffering with cancer, AIDS, glaucoma and other conditions to legally use marijuana to relieve their pain.Last week, the state Senate's Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, by a 6-1 vote, approved the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.Legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes remains controversial in part because it runs counter to federal drug laws regarding marijuana, and also because there are many people who do not want to see any door opened toward legalizing drugs."
" Thirteen states -- Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington -- allow people, with a doctor's consent, to possess small amounts of marijuana and/or grow marijuana plants for their personal medicinal use."
Ladies and Gentlemen, Attorneys, Law Enforcement current and prior, Esteemed Contributors, and Citizens of this "Great" land.
Federal Law, Does NOT Supercede State Law, eventhough we live under a "Federalist" form of Government. We obviously are NOT a Democracy!! And allow me to explain why we are not bound by a superior form of Governing from a "Central Government."
The Federal Government is responsible for Seven (7) things. One being the prevention of "Foreign Invasion," something they failed misserbly at on 09-11-01. The Tenth Admendment to the U.S. Constitution deals with States Rights, and something I am certain weighs heavy in each individual State.
In California, we enacted a Law, H&S 11362.5 via a Proposition, which allows upon a physician recommendation, the use of cannabis. The same thing twelve other States have continued, and in which all thirteen States, are in essence creating their own Law, which is in obvious conflict with current Federal Law.
The Federal Controlled Substances Act, lists Cannabis as a Schedule I, non-prescribed, non-use narcotic, having No Medicinal Value whatsoever. Really? How when the scientific proof weighs in to not only establishing the medicinal value, but by establishing the existence of the endocannabinnoid system in our bodies. From the "Ice Age" female found with a sealskin pouch containing Cannabis, and Cannabis being discovered in her mouth, (Scientists from the Nat. Geo. team who discovered her, surmised she was dealing with the pain from rotting teeth, as the reason for chewing the Cannabis), to the placement on the United States Pharmacopiea until it's removel in 1939, Cannabis has been used as a medicine, pain killer, anti-inflamatory, and Queen Elizabeth the First used it for menstural cramps.
Each State has the right to enact Laws dealing with the health and safety of their citizens, regardless of whether or not those Statel Laws conflict with Federal Law. Our State Supreme Court, recently upheld our medicinal use law, by flat out telling State Law Enforcement that they MUST enforce State Law regardless of whether or not it conflicts with Federal Law.
Knowing this, why then is it so difficult to keep the FEDS out of our backyard? The Feds have no business raiding our dispensaries, raiding small gardens, and patient collectives, especially when they are not on Federal Land, or under Federal Jurisdiction. Why then with the Tenth Admendment to the U.S. Constitution, and Article Three, section 3.5 of the Constitution of the State of California, are patients, caregivers, collectives, dispensaries, gardens, being raided by Federal L.E.O'S? And those arrested facing Federal Charges?
The Feds have no business stepping in to what is clearly a States Rights issue, and it is time for us as citizens of various States to inform our State Leaders that we want decriminalization, implementation, regulation, taxation, and representation on the issue of Cannabis. This has been the number one topic on both Change Dots, and as far as I can tell, by the amount of hits that keep coming, it is not finished yet.
P.S. Physicians can only recommend cannabis, not prescribe cannabis. Since Cannabis remains in Schedule I, it is a non-prescription narcotic. And I love this part, in order to be classified as a NARCOTIC, the substance must do three primary things. Induce sleep, eliminate or eliviate pain, and alter the psyche. Funny, alcohol does the very exact thing and it is perfectly legal in all 50 States and the District of Columbia. Which reminds me, you D.C. types definitely need to "Chill." May I suggest less alcohol use and more Cannabis use. You will eventually quit drinkking alcohol or cut down considerbly, and may even give up tobacco use as well. Listening Mr. Obama?
Posted by David Herrick on 12/21/2008 @ 09:53AM PST
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If I cannot as a responsible adult police my own habits, hobbies health and recreations why should I expect our leaders to police themselves? IMO they do not trust us because they do not trust themselves or they know they are not worthy of trust.
JF
Posted by james freitas on 12/21/2008 @ 04:09PM PST
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If I cannot as a responsible adult police my own habits, hobbies health and recreations why should I expect our leaders to police themselves? IMO they do not trust us because they do not trust themselves or they know they are not worthy of trust.
JF
Posted by james freitas on 12/21/2008 @ 04:09PM PST
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Yes, to the legalization of marijuana and no to legalizing hard drugs. There is no place on this planet for crack and meth!
Posted by M R on 12/27/2008 @ 10:58AM PST
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"Yes, to the legalization of marijuana and no to legalizing hard drugs. There is no place on this planet for crack and meth!"
Wholeheartedly agree, there is no place on this planet fot "Methamphetamine, and Crack Cocaine" or for those who use, sell, steal, lie, cause numerous amounts of Damage both physical and psychological, and really are nothing more than Non-Productive sorts who because of their "Addiction" the rest of us have to suffer.
Personally, I would take all the "Speed Freaks" and "Crack Heads" put them in Death Valley with all the "Dope" they could possibly ingest, and buiding materials. Hopefully they will ingest the "Dope" and O.D. therefore eliminating the need to care for them anymore, and we can recoup the building materials. Cause let's face it, when it comes to speed or crack, they would rather do the dope then anything else, except steal to get more dope.
This includes Heroin addicts as well, for I have no sympathy, no compassion, no care, and no understanding for anyone who voluntarily uses a highly addictive substance, then has the nerve to cry fowl. Please!! do every citizen who does NOT use addictive drugs a favor, leave. One way or the other just go, we don't need you, we don't want you, and unless you were forced to use illegal drugs by someone placing a gun against your temple and forcing you to ingest, then do us and the rest of the world a favor, and crawl back in to that hole you call a life, and leave the rest of us alone.
"No I don't have any spare change you helpless piece of shit, but thanks for asking."
Posted by David Herrick on 12/27/2008 @ 11:28AM PST
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I wish that I did not have to hear about crack and meth in this discussion. I 'm here to discuss ways that thoughtful people can unite to correct the injustices currently plaguing the land over a GOD given plant. Please call your Senator and Congressperson today! Thank you :-) From Oregon, I call 202-224-3121
Peace!
John
Posted by John Cornett on 12/27/2008 @ 01:35PM PST
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I don't use drugs but I'm for legalization of marijuana, and a stop on the war on drugs, our prison system are overcrowded with low level drug dealers, and the drug kingpin are never arrested and they just go and recruit new low level drug dealers, maybe the reasons the drug kingpin are able to avoid arrest, is because they're part of the government, if the criminal justice system was to abolish the war on drugs and stop manadory sentencing it would help to get the country out of this recession. I understand that drugs are against the law but why should all the burden fall on the low level drug dealer they are not forcing people to use drugs, people uses drugs at there own free will, education is the key, we know we're in trouble when our government are building more prisons than schools! A change need to take place, maybe if our government would focus on their own country instead of being so concern with every other country we wouldn't be in the situation we're in now! OBAMA it's your chance to make a change!
Posted by Willa Richard on 01/02/2009 @ 06:44PM PST
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Obama...
please,
legalize it.
Posted by Alex Hamby on 01/03/2009 @ 11:37AM PST
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So many excellent lives have been ruined and ended because of this refusal to admit to the mistake of making this great plant illegal. Can't we just admit that it was a mistake to make it illegal or do more lives need to be lost, billions more dollars wasted? We the people feel that we own our bodies and not the property of the US government to dictate what we injest into our own bodies.
Posted by C. Jayne Armstrong on 01/03/2009 @ 12:04PM PST
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So it is now official. Obama has said no to legalization on his watch. It now remains to be seen if he will pull a Clinton and continue to harass medical users and the States rights issue.
The WOD has become an influential cottage industry in America and will not back down or "change" because it is the right thing. I am beginning to see little change ahead.
Posted by james freitas on 01/04/2009 @ 03:27PM PST
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Please for the love of GOD, we really do need Change and please prove you mean change by ending this expensive unnecessary war on a PLANT. I don't get it at all. It's been legal for most of all time. Now because of investors it's illegal?
Posted by C. Jayne Armstrong on 01/04/2009 @ 04:43PM PST
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It is such a crime that our hard earned paychecks are being taxed to spend billions of dollars on a disastrous war on drugs.
Our paychecks are paying for people to sit in jail for being involved with a plant.
Marijuana must be decriminilized now.
Posted by J D on 01/05/2009 @ 04:56PM PST
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