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decriminalization

Hawaii Senate Votes to Decriminalize Marijuana

hawaii

New states seem to be joining the marijuana reform movement on a regular basis.  Last week we discussed that several states, including Maine and Maryland, are considering drastic changes to their marijuana laws.  This week another state joined the conversation.

The Hawaii Senate has voted in favor of decriminalizing marijuana.  The bill will now have to go before Hawaii House members.  If passed by the House, the bill will decriminalize possession marijuana up to one ounce.  For those charged with possession of less than one ounce, they will receive a civil citation and a $1,000 fine.  The fine was included in the bill because lawmakers wanted to stress that marijuana is still illegal.  A bill to legalize recreational marijuana was rejected several weeks ago by Hawaii lawmakers.

Hawaii state Senator, Clayton Hee, stated that the change in the law was not to legalize marijuana, but rather, an attempt to reduce the backlog of marijuana cases awaiting trial.  If the bill passes it is expected to save Hawaii taxpayers money that would normally be allocated toward arrest, incarcerations, and trials.  New Mexico lawmakers have also passed a similar bill, but former prosecutor and current Governor, Susana Martinez, has indicated that she is against relaxing any drug laws.

As economic struggles continue in America, there may be many other states that decide to re-consider how they allocate tax dollars.  This week we are starting to feel the effects of sequestration.  Unless Congress comes to an agreement soon, the sequestration cuts will have an even greater impact on our economy.  There may be no better time for activists to make the financial case for marijuana reform.

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Marijuana Decriminalization Has Immediate Impact On California Youth Crime Rates

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The unnecessary arrests of our teens is one of the most troubling byproducts of American marijuana law.   Besides the high economic cost, the social implications can ruin lives.  Marijuana possession arrests can provide an early entrance into legal system for juveniles.  Incarceration of so many young people produces a

The need to alter America’s direction in the war on drugs has been apparent almost since the inception of Nixon’s plan.  This is perhaps why even as early as the 1970s states started to take the initiative and enact decriminalization laws.  Decades later, we are still awaiting federal action, but it only takes a brief glance at the 112th Congress (who has passed the least amount of bills in history) to lose optimism.  Hopefully the 113th Congress is less bitter, partisan, and ineffective.  It is not desirable for state lawmakers to enact legislation that is in direct opposition to state law, but a lack of movement on the federal government’s part has left states with few options.

Critics and misguided fans of the war on drugs are always skeptical of decriminalization and often argue that crime and deviant behavior would increase and run rampant.  Newly published research by the Center on Juvenile & Criminal Justice paints an entirely different picture.  The group found that California’s new (which took effect January 1, 2011) decriminalization laws have resulted in a drastic reduction of juvenile arrests. The 20% overall drop now brings juvenile crime rates to their lowest levels since California started keeping such records in 1954.  When analyzing the numbers further, it is interesting to note that underage violent crime dropped by 16%, homicide dropped by 26%, and drug related crimes plummeted by 50%.

Marijuana reform can address many pressing issues in the United States.  Although many critics are unable to understand the complexity of modern economics, financial actions are rarely isolated.  Locking away our youth has a devastating toll on lives, but also a hefty financial price tag.  Lately, the point has been made countless times but the debate regarding the so called “fiscal cliff” and the money required to rebuild the areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy, it is clear we no longer have money to waste on acting “tough” on drugs.

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Michigan May Be Election’s Unsung Hero

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Now that we are almost a week removed from the historic 2012 election, new stories are emerging in the aftermath.  Colorado and Washington State are receiving most of the headlines in the world of marijuana reform for enacting landmark legislation that will see recreational marijuana legalized.  Massachusetts has received some attention as well for approving a medical marijuana program and becoming the 18th state to do so.  These stories cover both the west and east coast, but as was the case in the presidential election, the Midwest would have a lot to say about marijuana reform.

Michigan is known for its progressive medical marijuana program.  It is one of the only states that allows for suffering minors to receive legal medical cannabis prescriptions.  Its flagship city, is now going to take a more progressive approach toward rebuilding its ailing economy and crime problem.  Last week, Detroit voters decided to decriminalize marijuana.  Several other Michigan cities witnessed residents enact similar measures as Flint and Grand Rapids also decided to shift away from failed marijuana policies.

The tension between law enforcement and Michigan residents has been steadily rising for several years now.  Even as Michigan residents have voiced their desire to alter marijuana laws, state Attorney General Bill Schuette has been notorious for disregarding the will of the people.  Nobody likes a sore loser, and elections are set up to highlight which ideas win out.  However, it seems that many are sticking their fingers in their ears and singing loudly and ignoring the vote tallies.  Previously, those who lost the elections were expected to step aside.

In Michigan, we still now hear the losers resolving to carry on as if there was not some monumental election last week.  Flint police Chief Alvern Lock said “We’re still police officers and we’re still empowered to enforce the laws of the state of Michigan and the United States.  We’re still going to enforce the laws as we’ve been enforcing them.”  We at marijuana.net are wondering exactly when Michigan police were granted the authority and time of day to act as enforcers of federal law.  It would seem there is much to do in fighting crime in Michigan besides moving heaven and earth looking for artificial crimes.  As Brian Morrissey of Coalition for a Safer Flint stated “”If the city police want to follow state law rather than city law, then maybe the state should be paying their salary.”  Is there room for police in Michigan to moonlight as federal agents?

Even if officials are still desperately clinging to failed policy and false memories of the imaginary golden age of the 1950s, this election clearly showed the people are not living inside such ridiculous bubbles.  Elected officials are not accustomed to answering to anyone, but they certainly have bosses.  In fact, over 100 million of them casted their votes last week.  Lawmakers and officers may not yet respect their bosses, but the writing on the wall is clear.  There may be more peaks and valleys but marijuana reform is coming, via the will of the people and bureaucrats beware, suppressing the majority has a habit of accelerating change.  Many analysts believe we saw this last week, as the non-white voter turnout was higher than ever and perhaps in response to voter suppression attempts.  We would like to take this time to congratulate the voters in Detroit and to send a friendly warning to authorities.  The Detroit metro area is one of the most populous regions in the America, located in one of the larger states.   Politicians and law enforcement beware, you are drastically outnumbered in your misguided quest to fight the people.  Even as the economy improves, nobody wants to be unemployed, most especially elected officials.

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Governor Cuomo Tells NY Lawmakers They Can Get a Raise if They Fix Marijuana Laws and Minimum Wage

governor cuomo

New York has been a very busy place lately in terms of politics.  Intense preparations were underway for days leading up to this week’s historic presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney at Long Island’s Hofstra University.  Conspicuously absent from the conversation were many issues including the war on drugs and poverty.

New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has been tackling some of the issues that were have been missing from the presidential bickering.  New York State lawmakers have been salivating for a raise (their last came in 1999) but the Governor told them a raise is out of the question until the working class is taken care of first.  Mr. Cuomo is has been seeking a raise to New York’s minimum wage, and has tied lawmakers salaries to getting the bill done.  Specifically the Governor said “I would not even consider, even consider a pay raise unless the people’s business was being done in a thorough, responsible way.”

The Governor has submitted a complex proposal that also shows New Yorkers he has not forgotten about his vow from the spring to enact marijuana reform.  Several months ago Governor Cuomo was mocked by lawmakers and critics who have not moved beyond the 80 year old talking points against marijuana.  However he was also applauded by those who appreciated his plan to save the state money and to fix New York’s “stop and frisk” program, which is almost exclusively carried out in NYC.  The tactics by police have been criticized by many, including neighborhood advocates who are upset that police almost always target Blacks and Hispanics in the random searches.  “Stop and Frisk” has made national headlines as it considered by many to be against the spirit of New York’s marijuana laws.  Possession of 25 grams of marijuana or less was decriminalized in the 1970s in New York.  Possession under 25 grams is supposed to result in a civil citation ticket, however police have found a way around this.  Marijuana in “open view”, even if less than 25g, can be considered a misdemeanor and carry jail time.  Often, police demand that individuals empty their pockets, and once they do officers make arrests and claim the marijuana was out in the open.

Lawmakers in NY have been slow to take up the issue.  Even as many politicians admit that “Stop and Frisk” goes against the intentions of the state’s marijuana laws, it has been rare to hear comment on the issue.  However, we are in the political season and we are glad to see the Governor engaging in the issues that Mr. Romney and Mr. Obama neglected.  There will be some more shrewd political moves to come, but none may be as interesting as what Governor Cuomo has done.  Like dangling a carrot in front of a mule, the Governor has effectively tied lawmakers salaries to future of workers and marijuana law in New York.  For the first time we expect Albany legislators to start their shift on the issue.

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Indiana may be Next State to Decriminalize Marijuana

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As Election Day 2012 quickly approaches, there have been many developments for activists to keep an eye on.  Most of that attention is turned toward many of the ballot initiatives that residents across the country will be voting on.  As public officials have still been hesitant to fully embrace marijuana reform, residents have found only they typically need to take matters into their own hands to try and change the tides of a losing drug policy.

However, there are several states where lawmakers are pushing for change through the traditional legislative process.  Most recently, we learned that an Indiana lawmaker plans to introduce a bill to decriminalize possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana.  State Senator Brent Steele is hoping to change the current law, which calls for a Class A misdemeanor for possession of any marijuana up to 30 grams.  Mr. Steele noted that many other municipalities and college campuses have enacted decriminalization efforts and “Society didn’t melt down, and we didn’t turn into a drug-crazed culture as a result of it.”

The three state wide marijuana legalization bills (Colorado, Oregon, Washington) have received the most media attention as of late, but decriminalization measures may be equally important.  For one, decriminalizing marijuana can have an immediate impact and reduce the time money invested by police officers.  Additionally, courts and prisons are also strained by a high amount of los level marijuana charges.  There are also broad economic implications as well to decriminalization.  These arrests, which impact young non-whites at disproportionate rate have compromised the ability for many people to gain employment.

Even if Brent Steele is not immediately successful in getting this current law passed, new age economics seem likely to only increase calls for marijuana decriminalization.  The slowed economy of the past few years has ignited serious conversations on wasteful spending.  If the country wants to experience better years in front of it, it will require a new approach to how we allocate government resources.

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Newest Marijuana Initiative Polls

states medical marijuana

Political junkies or those working in campaigns have been spending a considerable amount of time analyzing polls recently.  Even those who are not as enthusiastic about the election probably cannot escape the constant updates on polling.  Yesterday marijuana.net spoke about a polls showing that Colorado voters seem to be heavily leaning toward enacting a measure that would legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana.

Today, we thought maybe we would talk about some polls on marijuana initiatives in other states.  Colorado is not the only state with a major marijuana legislative overhaul law that will be voted on by the people in November.  Arkansas, Montana, Massachusetts, Washington State and Oregon will leave the future of marijuana reform in the hands of voters in November.  These polls are gauging the public’s interest in bills they will be voting on.  However, there is also pending legislation in other states to legalize medical marijuana or decriminalize.

The news for activists has been in mostly in their favor.  As marijuana.net mentioned yesterday, polls showed a strong majority of Colorado residents favoring the legalization of marijuana.  Similar results were found in Washington State as 57% supported legalization with 34% opposed.  In Massachusetts 58% of those polled signaled their support to legalize medical marijuana with only 27% opposing the measure.    Additionally, a majority of Montana voters do not support the state setting up additional limits on the state’s medical marijuana program.  Oregon voters were much more on the fence when it comes to legalizing marijuana with a slight majority disapproving of the measure (46%-43%).  There has not been polling data on residents of Arkansas, where they will vote on bring medical marijuana to the south.

The likelihood of at least one state passing a legalized marijuana bill seems extremely high.  Additionally it seems at one or more states may soon be joining the growing list of 17 states (and Washington D.C.) that have medical marijuana programs.  While many of us have grown weary from polling and statistics being directed our way, we thought many marijuana activists would be pleased to see their efforts are winning over the people.

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Growing Marijuana Helps Save Families Across the World

marijuana farmers

While much of our news coverage focuses on domestic issues and our own western culture, it is important that we do not lose sight of the marijuana movement worldwide.  In recent months we have had encouraging news in Central and South America as Columbia, Mexico, Uruguay and other countries have now seriously discussed decriminalization and legalization plans.

Moving toward the rest of the world, we can see that the recession has an even greater impact on struggling countries.  With no industry and help in sight, villagers in trouble have turned to a new way to make ends meet and feed their families.  Several months ago many news outlets reported that Rasquera, a small village in Spain was considering renting out their fields to help pay off a large debt owed to the European Union.   The small village has been growing concerned that its younger population is moving out, seeking jobs in larger metropolitan areas.  Though the village voted to enact the plan, an official from the Spanish government said there was virtually no way this program would ever get started.  Officials in Spain may be forced to think outside of the box as Spain is suffering from 23% unemployment (unemployment is considered a huge problem in the U.S. and is currently at 8.3%) with economists predicting another upcoming and prolonged recession.

While the Spanish government may be dragging their feet and standing in the way of villagers taking their own initiative, the New York Times recently reported on a grandmother in Swaziland who has become a cannabis grower as a way to support her 11 grandchildren.  Khathazile, (she only provided her middle name to the Times reporter) has lost her 3 daughters who all died young and is growing the famous “Swazi Gold” strain as a way to take care of her motherless grandchildren.  Marijuana was not necessarily her first choice to grow but traditional crops do not provide enough for the large family to survive.  As Khathazile says “If you grow corn or cabbages, the baboons steal them.”  Another local woman, Sibongile Nkosi, started to grow marijuana before her daughter died and was impressed with the ease of the grow.  She described her first attempt by saying “I put the seeds in the ground, watered them, and it grew.  I was able to feed my children.”

While these stories may seem controversial to some, it is easy to criticize the idea from more economically vibrant regions of the world, where we may not be faced with having to break the law in order to clothe and feed our children.  HIV/AIDS has ravaged much of Africa with so many children becoming orphans at a young age.  We can no longer afford ignorance, and the luxury of fear mongering and propaganda.  Simply put, marijuana saves and improves lives both medically and economically.  As men in pressed suits try to put their expensive western education to work and try to create elaborate economic recovery plans, Khathazile already has a sustainable low cost plan for pulling the world out of this recession.

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Where the Candidates Stand

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The race for the American presidency has entered the period that can best be described as the calm before the storm.   The candidates may be sniping at each other through the media, but otherwise we are in a lull waiting for the Republican candidate Mitt Romney to announce his running mate and the upcoming national conventions.  However, before the race kicks into high gear we thought we would provide updates on the candidates and their plans marijuana reform.

Barack Obama:

The current president of the United States has upset many of his previous supporters by taking an unexpected harsh approach toward medical marijuana.  Many federal raids have been conducted with letters and threats for more to come being sent out.  The president has stayed mostly quiet about the war and drugs and it seems to be an inconvenient thorn in his side.  Many are wondering if a second Barack Obama term would see a different approach.  Many South and Central American nations have and are considering legalization/decriminalization measures as a way to try and reduce escalating violence by the cartels.  Recently the president has said they are not going to legalize anytime soon but that he would be open to a discussion on the issue.  Nancy Pelosi had recently signaled that there may be more movement on the issue after the election.

Mitt Romney:

Governor Romney  has never supported medical marijuana (unless he has changed this view somewhere along the line) and does not appear inclined to start anytime soon.  He famously walked away from a suffering man in a wheelchair who questioned the governor about medical cannabis.  In a campaign stop on Colorado several months ago Mr. Romney was questioned about medical marijuana and he responded by asking if anyone wanted to discuss any “real” issues.  Patients in Colorado were not pleased that Mr. Romney would not engage the issue and for those who are sick, the issue is all too real for them everyday.  The campaign has been rough for the former governor lately, as his recent trip oversees was marred with controversy over his comments regarding Israel and Palestine, and his statement that London was not ready to hold the Olympics.

Gary Johnson:

Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson now serves as the flag bearer for marijuana reform on the presidential stage.  While his chances of winning the White House may be slim, he is bringing a great deal of attention to the issue.  The popular libertarian has polled as high as 8% nationally, which is a very high number for a third party candidate.  His running mate is also a very well known advocate of marijuana reform and a former justice of the peace.  Gary Johnson is trying to be included in the presidential debates, which would likely bring the issue to the forefront and prevent Barack Obama and Mitt Romney from sidestepping the issue.

Roseanne Barr:

The comedian and former television star has thrown her hat into the race. Similar to Governor Johnson, she has made marijuana reform one of her primary core issues.  Recently she appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman and said they would have to pry a joint “out of her cold dead fingers”, an obvious parody to the late Charlton Heston and similar remarks he made regarding gun rights.  Many have questioned if Roseanne is serious about a White House run, but so far she appears to be staying in the race.

The 2012 election appears to be heading down a historic path.  It is unclear if marijuana reform will receive the attention it deserves but the time for dodging the questions seem to be running out.  The war on drugs has long failed, and taxpayers have grown tired of watching their hard earned dollars be wasted during a time where we could put the money to better use.  Check back with us as the race for the White House starts to heat up.

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Medical Marijuana Industry News July 27, 2012

green cross_fullActivists Vow to Fight Back Against Los Angeles Dispensary Ban… The decision by the Los Angeles City Council to ban marijuana dispensaries shocked many throughout the nation.  Safe patient access has been now become an even greater concern.  Patients are concerned that they will have to resort to illegal means of obtaining marijuana.  It appears …continue reading

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Medical Marijuana Industry News July 20, 2012

dark knight risesDark Knight Rises Actor Morgan Freeman Rails Against Marijuana Criminalization… Later tonight (unless you could not help yourself and already went to a 12:01 screening) excited moviegoers will be out in force to see one of the biggest movies of the year, and maybe since Heath Ledger’s joker captivated the world in 2008.  The Dark …continue reading

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