Mark Twain is said to have remarked that a gold rush is a good time to be in the pick and shovel business. Investors may be able to apply that same bit of wisdom to the growing number of U.S. states that have legalized pot.
Although federal law prohibits the sale or possession of marijuana, Massachusetts last week joined the ranks of states — 18 plus Washington, D.C. — that allow its use for people suffering from chronic illnesses like cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. In Washington and Colorado, meanwhile, voters passed an initiative to allow pot for recreational use. . . . Read Complete Report
How are the authorities reacting to pot legalization in Washington and Colorado? Well, Attorney General Eric Holder says “I don’t know [if I’ll be coming back for four more years]“, according to a newly released video of Mr. Holder speaking at a law school. Many see that as the warm-up before the departure of the embattled AG, who oversaw a largely ineffective crackdown on medical marijuana.
Kristen Gwynne at AlterNet does a great round-up of all other responses today, noting that the governor of Colorado said, “The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will. This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug so don’t break out the Cheetos or goldfish too quickly.” . . . Read Complete Report
It has long been a popular argument among campaigners for reform of America‘s marijuana laws that legalization would strike a major blow against the violent Mexican drug gangs that have brought so much misery to parts of that country and, increasingly, along the US border.
The logic is simple. Marijuana smuggling is a major earner for drug gangs, so a legal crop in the US would have a dramatic impact on their operations, lowering the amount of money available to them to bribe cops and hire killers south of the border. . . . Read Complete Report
Pot Legal in Colorado and Washington, but Feds Still Loom
Published on Nov 7, 2012
Democrats may be high on President Obama’s re-election victory today, but constituents in Colorado and Washington state are feeling the buzz a little stronger than everyone else. The western states have become the first ever in America to legalize pot for recreational use. . . . posted with video on youtube
Posted by CN Staff on June 02, 2012 at 10:42:10 PT By Samuel P. Jacobs
Source: Reuters
Denver — Throughout his presidency, Barack Obama hasn’t exactly been a friend to marijuana users. Sure, he has acknowledged smoking pot as a young man, but he has disappointed marijuana advocates by opposing its legalization, regulation and taxation like alcohol.
And the Justice Department’s occasional crackdown under his administration on medical marijuana dispensaries, which 17 states and the District of Columbia allow, has angered others.
So now, with Obama facing a stiff challenge from Republican Mitt Romney in the November 6 election, it’s ironic that his chances of winning the key state of Colorado could hinge on marijuana legalization, supported by a growing number of Americans.
At issue is whether Obama will get a boost from young voters expected to be among the most enthusiastic backers of a Colorado ballot initiative that would legalize possession of up to an ounce of pot for recreational use – and give the state the most liberal marijuana law in the nation.
The initiative is a reflection of Colorado’s unique blend of laid-back liberalism and anti-regulation conservatism that helped make the state the birthplace of the Libertarian Party.
It’s a state where people of different political stripes see marijuana laws as an example of government needlessly sticking its nose where it doesn’t belong.
It’s also a proving ground for advocates who see legalization as a way to ease crowding in prisons, generate much-needed tax revenues, create jobs and weaken Mexican cartels that thrive on Americans’ appetite for illegal drugs. . . . Read Complete Report
Much is said about the failed “War on Drugs” as a program that MUST continue no matter the cost, I’m afraid I have to disagree. The present drug policy is idiocy at work. . . or not at work.
The first step would be to separate REAL drugs from light drugs. instead of spending so much on Marijuana control, a substance that every study since the 1800s has found not to be the danger that, starting with Nixon, has gotten so much bad press.
It seems to me that being truthful about the lack of dangers of herb would make the job of controlling crack, coke, heron etc. a lot easier and a lot less costlier if the powers that be would stop using lies and propaganda to lump the hemp plant in with their manufactured dangerous drugs. Every study of the plant its leaves and stems, has found little or no medical, psychological, or “dependance” associated with the herb. Lets face it, the only reason pot is illegal is because it would put a big dent in the Controllers pocket book and Richard Nixon’s total paranoia about anything he could not understand. . . which, as history has show wasn’t much. With that said, I have decided to add this new category to our growing list of Departments. . . Editor
Boston — A proposed ballot question that would legalize the medicinal use of marijuana in Massachusetts is being bankrolled almost entirely by an Ohio billionaire who has backed similar efforts in other states.
According to state campaign finance reports, Peter Lewis, chairman of the board of the auto insurer Progressive Corp. contributed $525,000 to the Committee for Compassionate Medicine, which is supporting the question . . . Read complete report
USA — The drive to legalize marijuana has long been a fringe cause, associated with hard-core libertarians and college-age stoners. But it could go mainstream in a big way in this November’s election, when Washington could become the first state to legalize recreational pot use. If it does — or if voters in any of several other states do — this year could be a turning point in the nation’s treatment of marijuana. . . Read Complete Report
From youtube
Marijuana Good For You? JAMA Study on Pot
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association compared lung function of marijuana smokers, tobacco smokers and nonsmokers. Ana Kasparian and Cenk Uygur discuss the surprising results on The Young Turks.
Marijuana compared to alcohol: Marijuana consumers smoke “to get high” while “a person drinks to have fun. . . . “At least with liquor I don’t lose motivation.” . . . Richard Nixon
Nixon Tapes Reveal Twisted Roots Of Marijuana Prohibition
White House Conversations Reveal Prejudices, Culture War Behind Nixon’s Drug War
The Former Governor Delivered An Honest, Thorough Report. The President Wanted Something Different.
Washington, DC: “We need, and I use the word ‘all out war,’ or all fronts . . . .” That was Richard Nixon’s reaction to his national commission’s recommendation that marijuana no longer be a criminal offense, according to Nixon’s Oval Office tapes. The year after Nixon’s “all out war” marijuana arrests jumped by over 100,000 people.
WAKE UP AMERICA, we need a drug policy that works. The following report from “Common Sense for Drug Policy” is a start. Link to National Drug Control Strategy 1999.
Law Would Make Uruguay First Government In World To Legally Supply Marijuana
The president of Uruguay on Wednesday submitted a proposal to Parliament to legalize marijuana under government-controlled regulation and sale, making it the first country in the world where the state would sell marijuana directly to its citizens. The proposal, signed by Uruguayan President José Mujica, is part of a package of measures aimed at fighting crime and requires parliamentary approval before being enacted.
Despite Uruguay being one of the safest countries in Latin America, it has faced an increase in crime from drug gangs due to its position on a drug transit route to Europe via West Africa. The aim of the measure is to combat the rising insecurity in Uruguay by removing the profits of marijuana sales from drug gangs, separating the marijuana market from those for other illegal drugs, and avoiding marijuana users’ exposure to drug dealers who also sell coca paste and cocaine. Additionally, the revenues from marijuana sales will be invested into treatment for “problem” drug users. . . . Read Complete Report
NOTICE: THEI no longer Refers to cannabis or Hemp as marijuana unless in the title of an article or video using that name. We feel that marijuana is a derogatory name used by the anti-pot crowd to instill fear into an uninformed public . . Your Editor Dennis Crenshaw
It’s sad to see how much our world has been destroyed over the past 70 years as well as the health & lives of so many humans & animals and all in the name of politics and the all mighty dollar! You see the only reason cannabis was prohibited is because a group of five very wealthy, greedy, and corrupt high powered business men/politicians who did not want to lose their life savings & businesses to cannabis; which was supposed to be the source for pretty much EVERYTHING on this planet beginning in the late 1920’s. Cannabis was going to be used for fuel, food, medicine, and over 5000 textiles and 50,000 products according to an article written in 1928 by the Popular Mechanics titled “Billion Dollar Crop”.
Marijuana is very dangerous and a real threat……to the government and company industries. The truth. If you agree on legalizing marijuana, then please click on these links and sign petitions.
Why is Marijuana Treated As a Dangerous Substance “Trey Gowdy grills national drug policy director” 26-7-2017 Please Subscribe to me https://goo.gl/Y1XfnI
US Rep. at Pot Hearing: ‘People Don’t Smoke Marijuana and Beat Up Their Wives’
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) details how marijuana prohibition has been a “spectacular failure” and previews reform legislation he will soon introduce. Check out http://MarijuanaMajority.com to see more politicians who know it’s time for change.
In this funny, informative talk, David Schmader makes the case for thinking more broadly about what a marijuana user is and can be. David Schmader is a multi-talented writer, playwright, newspaper columnist, and performance artist. With wit and intelligence he blends personal experience and biting humor to provide insight on difficult cultural issues. He creates autobiographical solo plays that include, Letter to AXL, (homophobia and the unifying power of anger), Straight (“pray away the gay” conversation therapy), and A Short-Term Solution to a Long-Term Problem (angst, escapism, and forgiveness). His shows have toured the country, with productions at New York City’s Dixon Place, Los Angeles’s Highways Performance Space, Seattle’s Bumbershoot Arts Festival, and the Wexner Center of the Arts in Columbus, Ohio. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx
Drug Smuggler Speaks Out About Incarceration and Marijuana | Richard Stratton | TEDxFultonStreet
Richard Stratton’s education helped him to vacate a coercively harsh sentence, and now he speaks out to help others who are behind bars unjustly. The irony is not lost on Stratton, that recent cannabis legislation has legalized many of the activities for which people are still locked up. He offers a unique glimpse into the mind of an underworld leader, an award-winning writer and filmmaker, and a human rights advocate. Richard Stratton is a former international cannabis smuggler, CEO of a multi-million dollar operation. Arrested in 1982, he was convicted under the “Kingpin Statute” and sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.
Making peace with cannabis | Zachary Walsh | TEDxPenticton
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Talk explores human beings’ dynamic relationship with the cannabis plant and what recent developments might mean for our health and well-being.
A 100-year-old ghost town founded during the California Gold Rush is being modernized for the “green rush” after a cannabis company purchased all the land, buildings and businesses for $5 million.
On Thursday, American Green, a marijuana technology company, announced they purchased a small town in San Bernardino County with the intention of turning it into the “the country’s first energy-independent, cannabis-friendly hospitality destination.” . . . Read Complete Report
Pot Company Wants to Turn California Town Into ‘Cannabis-Friendly Municipality’
Arizona-based cannabis company, American Green, announced Aug. 3 that it had made a $5 million offer on the town of Nipton, California in order to transform it into a marijuana mecca.
CANADA: Liberals to announce marijuana will be legal by July 1, 2018
Provinces will have right to decide how marijuana is distributed and sold, CBC News has learned
By David Cochrane, CBC NewsPosted: Mar 26, 2017 9:00 PM ET
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2017 12:54 PM ET
The Liberal government will announce legislation next month that will legalize marijuana in Canada by July 1, 2018.
CBC News has learned that the legislation will be announced during the week of April 10 and will broadly follow the recommendation of a federally appointed task force that was chaired by former liberal Justice Minister Anne McLellan.
Bill Blair, the former Toronto police chief who has been stickhandling the marijuana file for the government, briefed the Liberal caucus on the roll-out plan and the legislation during caucus meetings this weekend, according to a senior government official who spoke to CBC News on condition of anonymity. . . . Read Complete Report
Stoners coming out – beyond the marijuana monster myths | David Schmader | TEDxRainier
In this funny, informative talk, David Schmader makes the case for thinking more broadly about what a marijuana user is and can be.
David Schmader is a multi-talented writer, playwright, newspaper columnist, and performance artist. With wit and intelligence he blends personal experience and biting humor to provide insight on difficult cultural issues. He creates autobiographical solo plays that include, Letter to AXL, (homophobia and the unifying power of anger), Straight (“pray away the gay” conversation therapy), and A Short-Term Solution to a Long-Term Problem (angst, escapism, and forgiveness). His shows have toured the country, with productions at New York City’s Dixon Place, Los Angeles’s Highways Performance Space, Seattle’s Bumbershoot Arts Festival, and the Wexner Center of the Arts in Columbus, Ohio.
BONUS VIDEO:Fred Takes us on a tour of Historic Nipton
