Regulate Marijuana Like Wine
Colorado Governor Accused of Gang Mentality
The gang mentality of protecting your turf and merchandise is not a new concept, it may even be one of our oldest social norms. The idea has been well represented in movies and shows such as The Godfather, Goodfellas, New Jack City, The Wire, and Boardwalk Empire. Corporations in the real world, use lobbyists and economic leverage to accomplish similar goals. However, even if this sounds naïve, we are supposed to expect that our elected officials would refrain from these types of turf wars.
Governor John Hickenlooper of Colorado has actually been accused of operating like a “Drug Dealer Protecting his Turf” in an article appearing on heraldnet.com. The Governor recently made statements against Colorado voters possibly legalizing marijuana in November. Despite a solid majority support for legalization in the polls, he recently said “detracting from efforts to make Colorado the healthiest state” and for “sending the wrong message to kids.” The statement is odd for several reasons. For one, while politicians are not accustomed too (by the looks of how many ballot initiatives are out there they would be well served to get used to it quickly) the people’s voices being accounted for, it may be unwise to lecture and condescend to the electorate. Children are always put in the middle by those defending failed marijuana policy, but does the Governor truly think the majority of his state are terrible and selfish parents who never took their children into consideration? Second, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has addressed this for months by making concerned parents a significant part of their message. However, these parents actually WANT a regulated system so they can ensure it stays out of their children’s hands. The current and illegal/unregulated street vendor system can offer such protection.
Another reason why Governor Hickenlooper’s statements are out of place have to do simply with his choice of drugs. The Heraldnet article makes the “Drug Dealer” comparison because Mr. Hickenlooper is an avid brewer of beer. In fact he proudly has said “I’m the first brewer who’s ever been a governor.” When talking about tasty hops and barley the Governor seemed to have no issue with children’s health even as alcohol results in far more fatal car crashes, weight gain, and addiction. Additionally, we have to ask ourselves exactly how try to keep alcohol out of children’s hands. Instead of ignoring it, we as a nation have decided it would be a better idea to regulate, check identification to purchase, and even tax alcohol sales. However, if the Governor does not agree, is he merely protecting himself, and his turf as the facts betray his statements?
Politicians should have seen the writing on the wall and come up with new talking points years ago. The will of the people trumps any political rhetoric the Governor may recite. Challenging the people on a consensus issue seems to be a very nearsighted action. We truly live in a republic, so when the people get to participate in legislation directly, it is the most pure form of democracy offered in The United States, easily nullifying the contradictory statements of one lone Governor.
Money Talks
 
In the end frequently wish it was not the situation, we’re all unwillingly instructed to accept the truth that money truly does make much around the globe go round. Regrettably, altering decades of laws and regulations and anti marijuana sentiment needs a considerably large amount of cash.
A ballot initiative in California is focusing on serious change in the usa marijuana laws and regulations. The initiative is known as “Regulate Marijuana Like Wine” (RMLW). The committee for RMLW only has elevated $80,000 to date. Normally this might pose a significant problem, but new polls in California indicate otherwise. Based on reviews, 62% of qualified voters within the condition offer the initiative. This will bring considerable focus on RMLW which is likely the cause will attract contributor with large pockets. A current article in SF Weekly describes your time and effort by RMLW and it is titled “Marijuana Legalisation Measure Courts Billionaires for Vital Campaign Cash”.
Strangely enough, stated billionaire might be supporting serious legalisation efforts in Massachusetts. Marijuana.internet has formerly reported around the much talked about and possibly wealthiest marijuana advocate, Progressive Corp. Chairman, Peter B. Lewis. Individuals supporting RMLW might want to contact Mr. Lewis, because he has demonstrated he prepared to help financially with measures targeted at altering marijuana laws and regulations. Peter B. Lewis has lately contributed $525,000 towards the Committee for Compassionate Medicine (CCM). This comprises the majority of their money handy. A pr firm stated with respect to CCM their goals will be to “to make sure that Massachusetts patients have a similar accessibility necessary medical assets to battle debilitating illnesses that are offered in 16 other states.” Underneath the suggested program the condition Department of Public Health would problem cards after patients receive documentation from doctors. Centers would then result in cultivation of marijuana in addition to creating other items for example food items, oils, tinctures, and creams. If CCM is effective in collecting the needed signatures, they’ll expect voter approval in November.
Even though it is regretful that legislative change frequently requires bundles of money, we applaud the efforts of Peter B. Lewis. You will find many billionaires who don’t want to be also connected with marijuana, but his personal expertise with medicinal marijuana has permitted him to determine just the number of people his internet worth might help.