Democrats
Colorado Lawmakers Appear set to Enact Marijuana DUI Law
As the discussion of medical and legalized cannabis continues, our focus is often on why the federal government has stubbornly not made any changes to marijuana law. Surely, if they could just move marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule II substance, then the debate would be over. While many of us wish that were the situation, it may not be quite that simple. Many legal analysts feel that authorities are unsure of how to enforce “smoking and driving” limits.
So far there has not been any uniform way to determine if drivers are fit to drive after marijuana use. One key point is that because of tolerance and other issues, cannabis does not impact everyone in the same manor. Colorado lawmakers have passed a bill that will set parameters for how much THC a driver can have in their system. This bill would set the legal limit at 5 nanograms of THC in order to legally be able to operate a moving vehicle. The vote was close and only passed by a slim 18-17 margin. The bill will now face the state senate but is expected to pass there as well by a wider margin. Those who passed the bill are not necessarily advocates of marijuana. The deciding vote was cast by state Republican Sen. Nancy Spence who said “I’m just sick of the abuse that the state of Colorado has taken from the medical marijuana industry.” However, we must question if the tides have turned when staunch opponents have accepted that medical marijuana is here to stay and would rather regulate the industry instead of eradicating it.
One major problem, as it always has been when conceiving of the “one size fits all” marijuana test, is that marijuana is fat soluble and will remain in the blood long after the effects of THC are felt. As Colorado state Democrat Pat Steadman put it, “Some of these people wake up in the morning and roll out of bed at 5 nanograms.” If any common sense goes into these laws (our hopes should not get too high for that considering the decades long war on drugs and information suppression on marijuana) then officers will use a series of tests to determine a drivers competency. In DWI stops an officer typically analyzes the condition of a driver by other methods such as walking a straight line and hand/eye coordination tests before making them submit to a breathalyzer.
This law may not be ideal but the issue of “drugged driving” will always stand in the way of marijuana reform unless it is properly dealt with. Marijuana DUI laws will hopefully evolve and perhaps even more reliable tests will be utilized in determining and individuals capacity to operate a motor vehicle. In fact they will likely HAVE to evolve, because as the law stands (5 nanograms is considered a very low amount) anyone who uses marijuana may be prevented from driving legally. Perhaps insurance and automaker lobbyists will be on the marijuana activist’s side. In any case, we have accepted that politicians are not equipped with the foresight to legislate in the modern world so, for now the hope may have to be a law that can be tailored in the future. Additionally, there are studies that show that legal medical marijuana states have experienced a decrease in fatal car accidents, likely due to less alcohol related incidents. Of course other studies show marijuana increasing the risk for fatal car crashes even if overall accidents are down. Because of this, a continuing conversation on marijuana and the dangers associated with driving needs to unfold. However, without this first important step, marijuana reform will likely remain in the legal stalemate it currently suffers from.
As with many social issues that are on the political fringe, change occurs behind smoke and mirrors. The White House has made it a point to urge states to enact drugged driving programs. Additionally, President Barack Obama said he could only enforce the laws on the books and placed some blame on Congress in his recent Rolling Stone interview. While none of this guarantees legalized federal marijuana laws, he may be setting the groundwork for a massive system addressing one of the biggest concerns of those in opposition to marijuana reform.
Politicians In Oklahoma Send Confusing Messages on Drug Policy
We have all had authoritative figures in our lives tell us “I would never ask you to do anything that I was not willing to do myself.” When we actually believe our parents or employers, it will usually result in a healthy level of respect for that individual. Conversely, if you do not trust the hollow words, it can actually be antagonistic.
Lawmakers in Oklahoma have been sending confusing messages to residents of the Sooner State. Oklahoma is known for its harsh stance on any drug conviction. Low level first offense marijuana possession can result in one year in prison. Even more baffling was a law passed last year aimed at those who convert marijuana into hash. Although there have only been a handful of hash production cases in Oklahoma in the past decade, they felt compelled to enact one of the harshest drug laws in United States history. Even the first conviction for hash production in Oklahoma now carries the potential for a life sentence (minimum 2 year sentence). With an already overcrowded prison system, many legal analysts have been shocked at Oklahoma’s handling of marijuana and hash laws.
The hash law has created even more confusion. Was there a hash epidemic we all missed? In the class warfare we have seen developing over the past several years, it has become a popular idea (started first by Arizona) to target and require drug testing for those receiving government assistance. These laws typically target the younger welfare recipients, but never require Medicare participants to prove their moral superiority via urine samples. The whole concept sounds well and good until any financial analysis is performed, which is surprising because the financial guru candidate for president, Mitt Romney, has also championed the idea of drug testing welfare recipients. However, further analysis shows that since drug tests are not free of charge, that it will actually cost taxpayers far more.
Oklahoma has joined over 20 other states that are considering this new legislative trend. There was an interesting twist in the case of Oklahoma’s law. The proposed legislation included provisions to also require anyone seeking public office to pass a drug test. Democrats opposing the welfare recipient drug testing on the grounds of constitutionality, had added the provision. GOP Sen. David Holt categorized the action as a “stunt” and removed the language from the bill that would require legislators to submit to drug tests. Although it may indeed have been a bit of political grandstanding by state democrats, would it not have provided validity to the bill if those who sign it also abide by it?
According to politicians, the only people where drug abuse is a concern is for welfare recipients. Thankfully no politicians or Medicare eligible members carry the potential for substance abuse. Even those on welfare have voting rights and politicians work for the people. If the legislation saved money it would be worth considering, though this still would not preclude it from the constitutionality discussion. We should no longer allow our politicians to say “Do as I say and not do as I do.” Elected officials often forget, but they work for us and should be abiding by the same guidelines we do.
Colorado Legislation to permit Banking for Shops Fails but Momentum for Reform Accumulates in Alabama
While there absolutely are developments which should lift the spirits of patients, regrettably you will find still obstacles when it comes to a really compassionate health care system. Besides organizations which are only worried about a fast profit at the expense of patient care, advocates experienced a legitimate defeat .
Of course, it’s most likely a much better idea to begin with unhealthy news. Because the Washington Publish reported, an invoice that will have allowed medicinal marijuana shops to get access to accounts unsuccessful to outlive the legislative process in Colorado. The balance might have setup organizations much like lending institutions, that shops would in a position to utilize. Presently, no banks are prepared to conduct business with marijuana collectives because they don’t want to stay in breach of federal law. Obviously, everyone knows that keeping piles of money and marijuana available offers a lot of possibility of criminal activity. Furthermore, backers from the law believe that dispensary use of banking provides an essential paper trail to make sure a legally run operation. Political figures don’t appear to become lined facing a smart method of marijuana finance. However, such as the banks, they seem to be scared of federal penalties. Democratic Sen. Pat Steadman stated “I’m unsure this can be a problem the condition can solve.”
Obviously now we are able to start more beneficial news. Medical and legalisation efforts happen to be released from coast to coast and could increase the already 16 states (and D.C.) that enable some type of legalized marijuana. Alabama might be searching to become listed on the growing list. Repetition. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham is supporting an invoice that will see Alabama enact its very own medicinal marijuana program. Repetition. Todd is mainly trying to provide relief for individuals struggling with Aids/Helps, but regrettably observed her similar proposal fail formerly. However, another politician is joining her cause. Repetition. K.L. Brown, (R-The city of jacksonville) has additionally introduced legislation that will allow patients to own as much as 8 oz . of marijuana. This news is exciting to advocates as this signifies bi-partisan support and may possibly bring people of both Republican and Democratic parties towards the table. Alabama joins other states within the south and 17 overall which are thinking about legislation that will legalize medicinal marijuana.
We are keeping an eye on these developments. Weight loss states make an effort to seriously alter marijuana laws and regulations, deficiencies in an economic structure for shops might not be tolerated. Possibly someone will propose an innovative approach which will satisfy advocates and political figures. Meanwhile, we are able to still hang our hat on the truth that medicinal marijuana is clearly not disappearing, the concept has become thriving in places we weren’t aware of.
Study: One in Three Youths Arrested by Age 23
During the course of the next year, two guys on television are going to spend considerable time telling us they do not want “government expansion”. During the past 40 years both major parties have had their time in power and now both Republicans and Democrats can share the responsibility for a swelling government.
One of the fallouts of a larger government is more laws to enforce. Criminologist Ron Christenson published a study forty years ago that showed 22% of those aged 18-23 were arrested. Today that number has grown to over 30%. Many cite drug laws that were not heavily enforced before the 1960s. Additionally, many smaller issues were handled by police without arrests being issued. Criminologist Megan Kurlychek said that “Society is a lot less tolerant of these teenage behaviors.” Also, while there may not be a statistic to indicate patience levels, there seems to be a breakdown in communication. Instead of yelling at teens or going to their parents, neighbors seem more trigger happy to pick up a phone and file a police report.
Of course we know how marijuana fits into all of this. Over half of all narcotic related arrests in the United States are for marijuana possession. Overall there were 853,838 marijuana arrests in the United States in 2010. While this was on a national level, recent reports showed a detail breakdown of California marijuana arrests. The study indicated that over half of all the marijuana possession charges were for teens. With billions of taxpayer dollars directed toward marijuana incarcerations, processing, and court resources, certainly the question has to be asked. Why are we spending so much time and money by putting our youth in jail?
There are many clichés about the youth being our future, but I have yet to hear any on jail being an inevitable destination for so much of the next generation. In our current economic crisis, those looking for a job and to support a family may be left with few options if they have a criminal record following them. Many feel this is intentional as the supply of quality jobs will never meet the demand so applicants have to be filtered out somehow. That of course is not provable but the fact that our legal system is arresting more young adults is. So we have to ask why in fact we do have a growing government, so it can expand in conjunction with penitentiaries?
Two Governors seek Federal Reclassification of Marijuana
 
The legislative process within the U . s . States can help remind us of difficult family dynamics. You will find different opinions regarding how to handle a specific situation and also the debates frequently escalate into arguments. Within the legal world, just like a family structure, you will find unyielding people who won’t pay a new or even more progressive approach if this involves Medicinal Marijuana. Marijuana reform continues to be postponed for many years because of anxiety when progression just like a grandfather declining to simply accept the behaviour of the generation which has passed him by.
While you will find some in lawmaking positions who wish to keep that old notion that marijuana destroys lives, (actually the life is usually only destroyed after unnecessary incarceration, drug war casualties, or denial of drugs) many more are attempting to get grand daddy to calm lower, switch off “Leave it to Beaver”, and believe that a brand new discussion must occur. The brand new conversation a minimum of must be in Technicolor (where available) and even perhaps progress toward hd. Independent Lincoln subsequently Chafee of Rhode Island and Democrat Christine Gregoire of Washington are a couple of governors seeking a far more modern method of marijuana enforcement. Particularly, they’re seeking a re-classification of cannabis which presently continues to be an agenda I drug. This places it within the same grouping as heroin or ecstasy, and many particularly not cocaine. Based on the Controlled Substances Act, cocaine has significant medical value and consequently, likes an agenda II classification. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Mind and Neck Surgery views cocaine to be really effective being an anesthetic. For medicinal marijuana advocates, this fact probably raises a litany of frustrating and baffling questions. Cocaine has known unwanted effects, and by no means has total support of People in america to savor legal comfort. Therefore we must request, how come our government carefully consider the dangerOrbenefits connected with cocaine, but merely dismisses this model for marijuana? Certainly most would agree that marijuana’s downside and possibility of harm pales compared to cocaine.
When the governors get their way, marijuana could be downgraded to some schedule II drug, departing the doorway open for government allowed medicinal marijuana. They’ve approached the DEA and asked for the problem be examined. The DEA has acknowledged getting a petition through the governors, that will require DEA to examine advances in marijuana research since 2006, the final time the problem was given to the DEA. Christine Gregoire was very direct in her own claims and stated “Poll after poll shows a massive most of People in america now see medicinal marijuana as legitimate.” She also added “An ever-growing quantity of doctors now tell 1000’s of suffering patients they might find respite from the initial medicinal characteristics of cannabis.”
The task of governor is difficult within this political/economic system. Nearly every condition appears to stay in financial trouble. Balancing budgets and enforcing laws and regulations without use of additional funds isn’t a desirable undertaking. Many chosen authorities are actually public regarding their need to alter marijuana laws and regulations. Marijuana reform can generate revenue, reduce funds allocated to enforcement/incarceration and also to provide relief inside a country where medical costs happen to be increasing. America no more has got the luxury of entertaining grand daddy just because a fast and progressive overhaul is required immediately.