Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2013
By reading the letters to the representatives in support of ending cannabis prohibition and those against it, we can better inform ourselves in our quest to end cannabis prohibition. While some are well-articulated and factual, while others are uninformed, poorly worded.
In order to turn the tides, factual information and activism will be needed in order to turn the tides of inaction and misinformation. Get out and urge your representative to represent the will of the people.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Take Action: Safer Arizona Marijuana Legalization Initiative
Safer Arizona is a grassroots initiative to legalize Marijuana in Arizona. At the moment the initiative is at the petition stage. In order for this initiative to get on the election ballots in November they need to have support from a large enough representation of the population to prove there is a large enough collective that feels strongly that change needs to take place.
So make your voice heard if you are a resident of Arizona, and spread the word.
You can email Volunteer@saferarizona.com to let them know you are interested in volunteering!
So make your voice heard if you are a resident of Arizona, and spread the word.
You can email Volunteer@saferarizona.com to let them know you are interested in volunteering!
Racially Biased Arrests for Pot
Editorial by the New York Times Editorial Board
Researchers have long known that African-Americans are more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites, even though studies have repeatedly shown that the two groups use the drug at similar rates.
New federal data, included in a study by the American Civil Liberties Union, now shows that the problem of racially biased arrests is far more extensive that was previously known — and is getting worse. The costly, ill-advised “war on marijuana” might fairly be described as a tool of racial oppression.
The study, based on law enforcement data from 50 states and the District of Columbia, is the most detailed of its kind so far. Marijuana arrests have risen sharply over the last two decades and now make up about half of all drug arrests in the United States. Of the more than eight million marijuana arrests made between 2001 and 2010, nearly 90 percent were for possession. There were nearly 900,000 marijuana arrests in 2010 — 300,000 more than for all violent crimes combined.
The 'Stop and Frisk' program carried it out in NYC, which targets almost exclusively minorities lead to the higher rates of arrest. The marijuana arrest rate for minorities is disproportional skewed do to this practice.
Researchers have long known that African-Americans are more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites, even though studies have repeatedly shown that the two groups use the drug at similar rates.
New federal data, included in a study by the American Civil Liberties Union, now shows that the problem of racially biased arrests is far more extensive that was previously known — and is getting worse. The costly, ill-advised “war on marijuana” might fairly be described as a tool of racial oppression.
The study, based on law enforcement data from 50 states and the District of Columbia, is the most detailed of its kind so far. Marijuana arrests have risen sharply over the last two decades and now make up about half of all drug arrests in the United States. Of the more than eight million marijuana arrests made between 2001 and 2010, nearly 90 percent were for possession. There were nearly 900,000 marijuana arrests in 2010 — 300,000 more than for all violent crimes combined.
The 'Stop and Frisk' program carried it out in NYC, which targets almost exclusively minorities lead to the higher rates of arrest. The marijuana arrest rate for minorities is disproportional skewed do to this practice.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Ohio Lawmaker Introduces Measure to Put Marijuana Legalization Before State Voters
Via: NORML
Representative Robert F. Hagan (D-Youngstown) has introduced a measure that would put marijuana legalization on the ballot before state voters. House Joint Resolution 6 would place a question on the Ohio ballot asking voters to approve allowing people 21 or older to purchase and use marijuana. Under this proposal marijuana would be sold only by state-licensed establishments and would be subject to a 15 percent excise tax.
“With billions upon billions spent on the war on drugs with little progress to show for it, it is time for more-sensible drug policy in this country,” stated Representative Hagan.
To be placed on the ballot, HJR 6 would need to receive a three-fifths vote from the legislature. The full text of the measure is available online here.
If you live in Ohio, please take a moment to contact your Representative and urge him/her to support this historic legislation! It is time to let the people of Ohio decide for themselves whether or not it is time to legalize marijuana.
Representative Robert F. Hagan (D-Youngstown) has introduced a measure that would put marijuana legalization on the ballot before state voters. House Joint Resolution 6 would place a question on the Ohio ballot asking voters to approve allowing people 21 or older to purchase and use marijuana. Under this proposal marijuana would be sold only by state-licensed establishments and would be subject to a 15 percent excise tax.
“With billions upon billions spent on the war on drugs with little progress to show for it, it is time for more-sensible drug policy in this country,” stated Representative Hagan.
To be placed on the ballot, HJR 6 would need to receive a three-fifths vote from the legislature. The full text of the measure is available online here.
If you live in Ohio, please take a moment to contact your Representative and urge him/her to support this historic legislation! It is time to let the people of Ohio decide for themselves whether or not it is time to legalize marijuana.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Medical Marijuana-Hating Assemblyman Caught With Marijuana Gets Charges Dismissed
NY State Assemblyman Steve Katz, who was arrested for alleged pot possession last month after voting against the legalization of medical marijuana last year gets his case dismissed thanks to a plea deal.
In March, Katz was pulled over at a car stop in Albany, and officers found less than 25 grams of pot in his vehicle. But the charge—a violation carrying up to $285 in fines—will be dropped, provided Katz completes 20 hours of community service and refrains from law-breaking for a year. "We said from the beginning that this would be quickly resolved, and it was. And we’re very happy this is done,”
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Vermont House Approves Marijuana Decriminalization
Valley News
If this bill goes all the way Vermont would become the 16th state to have decriminalized.
If this bill goes all the way Vermont would become the 16th state to have decriminalized.
The Vermont House gave preliminary approval Friday to a bill that would change the offense of possessing up to an ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor crime to a civil offense similar to a speeding violation.
On roll call vote of 98-44, the House endorsed the bill, which would impose a fine of as much as $300 for anyone caught with up to an ounce of the drug.
The bill also contains provisions designed to eliminate the possibility of a permanent criminal record or future collateral consequences such as ineligibility for certain jobs or government benefits for those convicted of possessing up to two ounces, or up to four plants.
The legislation now goes to the Senate, which is also expected to pass it.
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