marijuana reform
New Poll Shows Marijuana Reform Winning in New Mexico and Indiana
With less than 30 days to go before the 2016 general election decides the fate of our beleaguered nation, there’s little doubt those who support marijuana reform will likely be the true winners on the morning of November 9. Astonishing a few and pleasing the masses, a new poll shows 73% of Indiana’s likely voters […] Thanks to marijuana.com
Marijuana Reform: 22 Representatives Earned an ‘A’ and 32 Failed
The 2016 election cycle has made a lot of good people more than a little nervous, and for good reason quite frankly. This presidential election and its congressional ramifications could ultimately spell the end of marijuana prohibition in the 21st-century, while simultaneously thrusting Hilary Clinton or Donald Trump to the highest office in the land. While our current […] Thanks to marijuana.com
Bush vs. Sanders: Grading Presidential Policy on Marijuana Reform
As the festival of shame tours the country, pandering for votes and making promises they’ve little intention of keeping, the 2016 Presidential primaries have occasionally touched on the socially relevant topic of marijuana legalization during the Republican and Democratic debates. While both sides obviously hold opposing views on the legalization issue – one seems slightly […]
Germany May Follow Worldwide Marijuana Reform Efforts
While much of our focus on marijuana.net centers around the domestic United States patient, we are always trying to keep our readers up to date on international developments regarding marijuana reform. The past two weeks have treated us to great news coming out of Uruguay and Colombia with the former legalizing and the latter decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.
We at marijuana.net were excited to learn that Germans are also voicing their pleas for decriminalization and legalization efforts. German government officials have been conducting online polls in an effort to engage the people in the political process directly. According to Reuters, 152,000 German residents voted online to make cannabis legal. Also up for vote was a bestiality law, which received 93,000 votes, another vote we agree with. Apparently in 1969 sexual abuse of animals was decriminalized, decades before serious marijuana reform (if in fact it even happens soon).
Germany is known for their innovation and has successfully navigated through the rough economic currents challenging most of the world. In fact, much of the rest of Europe and those who utilize the Euro as their main currency have been depending on Germany to provide funds for a bailout in order to stabilize the effects of the European Debt Crisis. As they are typically forward thinkers in terms of industry, Germany may want to think of unconventional ideas in order to stay ahead of the economic curve. Additionally, their online polling and voting system may prove to be a great tool for future governing, letting the people actually have a say.
As stated above, there have been some great develops internationally for marijuana reform. It appears change is now occurring rapidly. Marijuana.net recently wrote about a U.N. study that showed marijuana has now become the most used “drug” in the world. Regulated cannabis could be used to solve financial issues (a small town in Spain tried to lease their land to growers as a way to climb out of debt) and bring much needed medical relief worldwide. Legalization could also make Oktoberfest even more fun.
The Walls Are Caving In: America’s Neighbors are Amending their Marijuana Policy
On June 22nd we at marijuana.net reported that Uruguay would be drastically altering their policy on marijuana. Frustrated with the United State’s unwillingness to help reduce Central and South American cartel violence, Uruguay decided to take matters into their own hands and legalize marijuana. In a stunning move the government in Uruguay government will cultivate, distribute, and regulate legalized cannabis.
Only days after Uruguay made history, Colombia has also decided to shift away from a failed drug policy. Colombia’s Constitutional Court approved the government’s legislation that aimed to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana and cocaine. Individuals caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana and 1 gram of cocaine can be sent to psychological rehabilitation but cannot be arrested or detained.
Even if the United States federal government does not realize it, the walls appear to be caving in on our failed drug policy. Federal inaction has prompted many of our 50 states to enact decriminalization and medical marijuana laws. In addition, our closest geographic neighbors are also riding the reform momentum. Besides Uruguay and Colombia, Mexico just witnessed a presidential election that revolved heavily around the issue of cartel violence. On Sunday it was announced that Enrique Pena Nieto of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was the apparent winner. The president elect has vowed to reduce the surging violence linked to cartel activities, though it may take some time to win over all the people as the Institutional Revolutionary Party was known to rule in brutal fashion. Other leaders in Central and South America are also pro decriminalization, especially newly elected Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina.
The evidence of our failed war on drugs is overwhelming. Other than an upcoming presidential election, many analysts are left wondering exactly why the United States has decided to relinquish its traditional leadership role in international politics, and has instead chosen to be reform’s largest obstacle to overcome. As is often the case with American policy, it seems easy to ignore a problem that is not immediately a domestic threat. However, the United States’ failure to forecast how deep the cartel violence problem would become has now compromised our own security. The Mexican cartel has funneled money through race horses, set up a strong operational presence in Utah, and successfully dug over 75 tunnels (that we know of officially), complete with electrical lighting and ventilation. These breaches in security represent far worse than drug smuggling, and government officials should hope that Al Queda or other terrorists do not seize on these tailor made opportunities. Though its late in the game, the United States can recapture its leadership role and enact true marijuana reform which could eliminate the need for the Mexican Cartel’s supply and significantly reduce their funding and power.
Detroit Lawmakers Attempt to Block Ballot Initiative to Decriminalize Marijuana
Michigan has been a hotbed of marijuana reform activity over the course of the past several years. They are one of the 16 states with legalized medical marijuana and have had local municipalities attempt decriminalization efforts, usually met with opposition by state Attorney General Bill Schuette.
The marijuana reform movement has had to rely heavily on ballot initiatives grassroots support as politicians have had a hard time breaking away from lobbyists who desperately want to uphold antiquated cannabis laws. Marijuana reform has many accomplishments including helping patients and pushing forward decriminalization efforts that can help non-violent offenders to avoid incarceration. It is also is allowing the American public access to a unique perspective in what is normally a very closed door political system. Americans can now see that so much more is at hand than simple matters of right or wrong. Lobbyists, special interests and long held stubborn beliefs carry more weight in Washington D.C. and state governments than struggling patients and those whose lives are ruined by small possession marijuana charges.
A recent entry in the Detroit Free Press sheds even more light on this issue in Michigan. Efforts to totally decriminalize small marijuana possession had gained considerable momentum as of late. However, the Detroit political machine is in full force and has filed a suit with the Michigan Supreme Court to disqualify a ballot initiative that would eliminate penalties associated with low level cannabis possession. Detroit’s legal department claims that the ballot issue would not create a legitimate ordinance because marijuana is not legal on a state level. Activists and patients are accustomed to this desperate political argument as relief is often prevented by this line of thinking. Of course what is most interesting is this the same state (like many others) that has already sided with its people by providing medical marijuana on a state wide level even though it conflicts with federal law. Proponents of the ballot initiative seemed unfazed as Tim Beck, who heads the initiative through an organization called Coalition for a Safer Detroit, stated “The law is on our side, and we have every expectation that the people of Detroit will vote on this in 2012.”
Activists should only be motivated by the actions our elected officials have taken. Clearly, lawmakers feel well within their comfort zone to ignore the pleas of Americans. Three quarters of this country agrees with medical marijuana and half even support total legalization. A ballot initiative is organized and conducted by the people, typically without the support of big time corporate lobbyists. Apparently politicians fear us far less than them, but they seem to have overplayed their hand, and whether they like it or not reform is coming.
Copenhagen On Your Journey To Marijuana Legalisation
We’d list all the nations with legalized marijuana (not medical, not decriminalized) but in some way I do need to fill this site track of words. Obviously, you will find many regions who don’t even enforce marijuana laws and regulations and also have been very active in decriminalization but so far as what the law states books are worried it seems 3 major nations permit marijuana possession (Uruguay, Peru) that’s not particularly for medical consumption.
Denmark might be joining this small list since it’s capital, Copenhagen , is exploring the thought of legalizing marijuana. Inside a election 39-9, the town council approved a stride which will generate a committee to understand more about the proper way to implement a method where marijuana is taxed and controlled. A safe industry appears to become the biggest concern from the Danish government. Mikkel Warming, a councilman who manages the Social Matters Committee, mentioned “Who is it more beneficial our kids have to to purchase marijuana from? A medication pusher, who desires these to use more, who desires these to buy hard drugs, or perhaps a civil servant?. This kind of approach continues to be lengthy preferred by advocates within the U . s . States. Denmark is accepting exactly what is a reality. People do look for marijuana and getting an agenda to handle the situation accordingly is vital, rather than beginning wars and pointing tax revenue toward incarceration.
The town of Copenhagen and Denmark in general is going to be under a powerful public microscope whenever they legalize marijuana. Detractors points out any negative story connected with marijuana in Copenhagen and gone with it, while advocates will champion any positive news that arrives from the Denmark cannabis industry. Individuals on any side from the problem may grow fed up with hearing every update from Copenhagen. Even issues where there’s a consensus will discover disagreement. Most would agree that Copenhagen stands to get quite the tourism boost when they follow-through with this particular proposal. Many will view this as great economic news, while some might find a wide open invitation to a different “Sin City”.
The storyline from Copenhagen comes at any given time when many nations appear to become going for a new approach toward marijuana reform. Israel has approved a medicinal marijuana program, Chile’s top court lately ruled in support of a medicinal marijuana company and momentum appears to become building in Canada. Many of these nations have good relations using the U . s . States for it to be interesting to notice the way we react to these developments. Regardless of the fallout is, the actual question to request is whether or not Denmark will eagerly run using the torch or unwillingly end up being the worldwide core marijuana discussion.
Synthetic Marijuana Linked To Teen Cardiac Arrest
The drug policy within the U . s . States has the feel of an adaptable gymnast attempting to win a powerful bet on twister. You are able to only cover a lot of spots in the light of day. Eventually you will see some strain on our bodies.
Three separate teens in Texas experienced cardiac arrest that appear to become associated with smoking a synthetic type of cannabis. The boys accepted to presenting a known synthetic product named K2 within times of their attacks. Based on the boys, soon after they smoked K2, they believed discomfort within their chest. The 3 from the boys are 16 years of age and also have no previous good reputation for cardiovascular issues. This is really not the very first story which has introduced the security of synthetic cannabinoids into question.
A few of the collateral damage triggered through the U . s . States fight against drugs isn’t necessarily apparent. The archaic approach of the us government toward marijuana accounts for the increasing of the synthetic-cannabis underground community. True marijuana reform previously might have reduced the interest in a underground community of synthetic cannabinoids. Components for example jwh-018 happen to be banned however the floodgates may happen to be opened up. Labs have produced additional synthetics and presently turn to have the ability to stay a measure in front of the law. Suspending these compounds might be like attempting to fix a number of leaks within the Hoover Dam with a bit of scotch tape along with a stick of gum. New leaks will form and also the problem certainly doesn’t disappear. We’re knowledgeable the fight against drugs has led to many sufferers in other nations, however these teens might be domestic sufferers.
Beside legislative change it could also be time to employ a more upfront approach in marijuana education. Reviews of synthetic marijuana’s safety concerns aren’t new, but includes a more youthful generation updated out individuals concerns? A lot of us heard the ultimate alerts and propaganda of marijuana that didn’t arrived at fruition. It’s time to rebuild trust and set an finish for this reefer madness.
Important Occasions- The Birth Of Marijuana Decriminalization
As current occasions unfold, we viewed regular updates and produce important news for you. It’s also vital that you highlight past developments to be able to possess a true outlook during marijuana law within the U . s . States. While the thought of decriminalization is breaking through cities from coast to coast in an effort to cope with our current economy, it has really been happening for near to 4 decades.
Whilst not typically regarded as an advocate for marijuana reform, Richard Nixon unintentionally might have provided the first spark for any effective decriminalization campaign. In 1972 he commissioned research on marijuana use in the National Commission on Marijuana and Substance Abuse. The commission discovered that marijuana prohibition may really be unconstitutional. The commission also mentioned the legislative branch from the U . s . States government were built with a responsibility to obey the Metabolic rate. These claims happen to be championed by advocates for many years who’ve searched for to possess marijuana removed as schedule 1 drug.
Following a discharge of the commission’s findings a brand new check out marijuana law began to consider form. In 1973, Or grew to become the very first condition to change their laws and regulations and decriminalize marijuana. Having 1 ounce or less yields a possible $500-$1000 fine. Or opened up the ton gates and inside a couple of many years of passing their new laws and regulations Alaska, Colorado, California, Mississippi, New You are able to, Nebraska, New York, and Ohio all passed some type of cannabis decriminalization.
Because the push for marijuana reform progresses you should observe that this is a decades lengthy progression. Even though some social issues have single land mark cases( Roe v. Wade, or Brown v. Board of your practice ) most legal victories within the U . s . States are the effect of a number of occasions. Return soon once we still reveal important occasions in marijuana history.
Support For Marijuana Legalisation Reaches In History High
We thought political figures as well as their staff are only for the poll amounts. They spin the disadvantages and run using the positives. The founding fathers never meant for career political figures. To be able to have a job in politics for life, succumbing to poll amounts is generally necessary. A minimum of, that’s what we should formerly thought.
This really is the key reason why marijuana reform like a political problem is really puzzling. With 75 % of People in america supporting medicinal marijuana, it’s shocking that there’s no federal movement around the problem. Furthermore, a brand new poll demonstrated that 50% of People in america offer the total legalisation of marijuana (not always medical use). As support is surging for marijuana reform, the us government has elevated raids and it is anti marijuana stance. Additionally they declined to reclassify marijuana like a schedule 1 drug captured.
It’s difficult to understand the ongoing fight for the us government. Who stands to get rid of having a good sense method of marijuana regulation? Just the large pharmaceutical companies spring to mind. Shall we be coping with just simple resistance or perhaps an actual agenda to help keep a unsuccessful approach toward marijuana around the books? Would the U . s . States rather attract voters who would like us to do something tough and persistent or if the U.S. attract voters who would like the main one trillion dollars back which have been targeted at world war 2 on drugs? Many job comments are approaching soon for the chosen authorities (by means of the 2012 elections) plus they might be smart to attract an electronic generation presently on the point of register to election. Acknowledging defeat might have more recognition than thumping our chests and dealing toward wasting the following trillion dollars.
We continuously monitor the poll amounts. Remarkably enough, poll amounts possess a practice of motivating candidates to revise or reverse their positions. We’ll find out if any candidates or their staff people realize the possibility to take advantage of these statistics.