Cannitrol – Cannabis Control Agent

Marijuana news from around the world

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Washington State Dismissing Small Possession Cases

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Last week Americans in several states signaled their desire to abandon the government’s failed approach toward marijuana regulation.  However, instituting the programs in Washington and Colorado that will tax, regulate, and distribute marijuana will take some time as many details will still have to be worked out.

There have been reports in Michigan of authorities already making contingency plans to fight against the will of the people.  As we already stated, it may be unwise to contest election results and ignore the wishes of voters.  Fortunately, in Seattle, officials seem more likely to act as government and elected officials are expected to.  Although the legalization laws will not take effect until December 6th in Washington, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg recently said “I think when the people voted to change the policy, they weren’t focused on when the effective date of the new policy would be. They spoke loudly and clearly that we should not treat small amounts of marijuana as an offense.”

We applaud Mr. Satterberg for using common sense.  Many officials will likely cling to their “good ol’ days” mindset until the very last possible moment.  This flawed thinking will only result in unnecessary arrests, wasted taxpayer dollars, and the eventual dropping of the charges.  While Satterberg may be the first, the Seattle Times is reporting that other prosecutors are now considering following suit.

The relationship between lawmakers/police and residents seems to be an issue all over the country.  This may be for good reason as the blatant disregard for what the people want was a bubble bound to burst.  We are happy at marijuana.net, but we also need to remain stern.  It should not be such a happy and isolated moment when officials decide to put their own selfish politics aside and listen to those hired them.

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