Medical Marijuana Bill in US Senate

[freddfish]

Whoa. Now I have TWO great resources. Many thanks!

I am telling you, that is what I like about this site...it is just about the best resource I have found for cannabis issues, growing instructions, good political discussions, etc

Good stuff

 

[freddfish]

Along with Barbara Boxer getting on board with this, it looks like many of the GOP are trending our way.

Good. All this helps in the fight.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/03/03/the-republican-argument-to-end-marijuana-prohibition/

There is a small but increasingly vocal share of Republicans who see the issue as one of government overreach. And their ranks — and influence — are growing.

As it stands, a strong majority of Republican millennials support legalizing the plant, according to a Pew Research survey: 63 percent of young Republicans support legalization, while 35 percent oppose it. And with millenials overtaking the baby boom generation in size, issues relevant to them will no doubt play a key role in the 2016 presidential election, Pew notes.

The more bi-partisan support that comes our way, and the more talking about this and other bills that gets done, the better our chances are of passage. Even if it is not this particular bill, as there will doubtless be more coming.

It is getting pretty clear, in poll after poll, and voter ballots, that the people want this.

 

[UncleBuck]

It is getting pretty clear, in poll after poll, and voter ballots, that the people want this.

not republicans and tea partiers though, they are both overwhelmingly opposed.

 

[freddfish]

Russ Bellvil has a decent little radio show. He stays current ,takes on anyone, and I hope, is growing his audience.

I checked out a debate Russ Belvil did with a guy named Sabet...he really did a good job at presenting his side of the argument with grace and humor....leavened with a healthy touch of realism and outrage.

I regret that I fell asleep for the rebuttal from Sabet and their subsequent debate. Long day.

I am of the opinion that the more talk that these debates generate, on the Republican, Dem, and libertarian side, the more the public will move it to the front burner. For the first time in my life, I think I see light at the end of the tunnel.

(That Simpson/Texas thing is particularly encouraging).

 

[StonedAgeTimeTraveler]

This reminds me of the end of Prohibition, when President FDR declared "What America needs now, is a drink".

I sincerely look forward to the day this ends, and hope the sitting president that signs the end of Federal MJ Prohibition makes a similar decree: "What America needs now, is to pack a bowl".

 

[overgrowem]

I checked out a debate Russ Belvil did with a guy named Sabet...he really did a good job at presenting his side of the argument with grace and humor....leavened with a healthy touch of realism and outrage.

I regret that I fell asleep for the rebuttal from Sabet and their subsequent debate. Long day.

I am of the opinion that the more talk that these debates generate, on the Republican, Dem, and libertarian side, the more the public will move it to the front burner. For the first time in my life, I think I see light at the end of the tunnel.

(That Simpson/Texas thing is particularly encouraging).

Russ' shows can be recalled.U should be able to rerun the show. He hasn't broadcast all week, guess he is on vacation or something.The stories U hear coming from the Redneck states are longshot news articles played up by some wag, like it is a sure thing, for a payday.That is my take on news from Texas and the recent blabber about Kentucky legalizing.The only backwards state I give a chance to is Mississippi and that is a long shot, due to the initiative backers having no experience. I actually think the peeps there realize they are so poor they need the green rush more than any other state.

 

[overgrowem]

Along with Barbara Boxer getting on board with this, it looks like many of the GOP are trending our way.

Good. All this helps in the fight.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/03/03/the-republican-argument-to-end-marijuana-prohibition/


The more bi-partisan support that comes our way, and the more talking about this and other bills that gets done, the better our chances are of passage. Even if it is not this particular bill, as there will doubtless be more coming.

It is getting pretty clear, in poll after poll, and voter ballots, that the people want this.

A good bit of this support is very soft and will evaporate if there is even a little push back from the anti's. A poll must show about 56% support right b4 the election to pass.

 

[StonedAgeTimeTraveler]

I'm all for realism, but the reality is that 30 years ago, this would have been political suicide. It's the same in Texas: 20 years ago you'd be insane to even consider proposing ANY form of legalization or decriminalization; 10 years ago, you could propose it and it wouldn't spell doom for your career, but it'd never be discussed and would die a swift death. This year the bills are in committee and expected to be debated on the floor. Will they die? It seems likely, but it's still the furthest the legislation has EVER made it.

This progress, and progress it is, has come about from people insisting on making their voices heard to their representatives and working to improve the reputation of marijuana in the public eye.

The only way the progress will continue is, rather than be discouraged by the opposition and resigned to failure, we continue to fight. We're making headway; even if this isn't the year it comes tumbling down it almost certainly will be the year we took another forward step. Besides, surprises happen: google Alaska Marijuana Legalization and look at the articles from a year or two ago; the weed blogs and activists were predictably positive, but a LOT of news outlets and mainstream analysts considered it a long shot, RIGHT up until it passed. Then it seemed obvious, but that's just how hindsight works.

 

[overgrowem]

Some scribe said there would be 16 initiatives next year. I think maybe 1 legislature will act next year leaving 15?. the 10 MPP. supported states have a decent chance. I give the other first time states very little chance, maybe 1 will succeed..I figure if 4 states + Cali pass rec it will be a great victory, anything else is gravy. I wouldn't mind the whole thing being knocked out by the courts "Failed Prohibition" is the best policy.

 

[StonedAgeTimeTraveler]

I can agree with that; I certainly hope some of the long shot states swing the other way; it would only take 1 to create some serious momentum, but there's already a fair amount of that as it is for the movement.

 

[overgrowem]

" good political discussions",

BOY, HAVE U GOT A SURPRISE COMING!

 

[whitebb2727]

Russ' shows can be recalled.U should be able to rerun the show. He hasn't broadcast all week, guess he is on vacation or something.The stories U hear coming from the Redneck states are longshot news articles played up by some wag, like it is a sure thing, for a payday.That is my take on news from Texas and the recent blabber about Kentucky legalizing.The only backwards state I give a chance to is Mississippi and that is a long shot, due to the initiative backers having no experience. I actually think the peeps there realize they are so poor they need the green rush more than any other state.

I live in KY. Hemp is already legal. We have a medical bill in the works. On top of that, 4 plants is a misdemeanor and eight ounces is also a misdemeanor. KY has lenient laws on mj compared to some states. Even recent bust with felony amounts of plants are just getting slaps on the wrist.

 

[freddfish]

BOY, HAVE U GOT A SURPRISE COMING!

OK....pr'haps that statement was a TAD optimistic.....

 

[freddfish]

I live in KY. Hemp is already legal. We have a medical bill in the works. On top of that, 4 plants is a misdemeanor and eight ounces is also a misdemeanor. KY has lenient laws on mj compared to some states. Even recent bust with felony amounts of plants are just getting slaps on the wrist.

I hear what you are saying, and there are a lot of states and cities that are de-facto decrim'ed because the LEOs aren't willing to waste the time enforcing it.

But the fight must go on, until those laws are gone. All it would take is one modern Harry Anslinger to demand that the law be enforced, and pot-smokers will be seeing the inside of jail cells.

 

[freddfish]

I'm all for realism, but the reality is that 30 years ago, this would have been political suicide. It's the same in Texas: 20 years ago you'd be insane to even consider proposing ANY form of legalization or decriminalization; 10 years ago, you could propose it and it wouldn't spell doom for your career, but it'd never be discussed and would die a swift death. This year the bills are in committee and expected to be debated on the floor. Will they die? It seems likely, but it's still the furthest the legislation has EVER made it.

This progress, and progress it is, has come about from people insisting on making their voices heard to their representatives and working to improve the reputation of marijuana in the public eye.

The only way the progress will continue is, rather than be discouraged by the opposition and resigned to failure, we continue to fight. We're making headway; even if this isn't the year it comes tumbling down it almost certainly will be the year we took another forward step. Besides, surprises happen: google Alaska Marijuana Legalization and look at the articles from a year or two ago; the weed blogs and activists were predictably positive, but a LOT of news outlets and mainstream analysts considered it a long shot, RIGHT up until it passed. Then it seemed obvious, but that's just how hindsight works.

An analogy:

The Soviet Union looked impregnable and set to last forever... until they weren't anymore. After Reagan walked out of the Rekjavik Summit over SDI, Gorbachev flew home and told his closest people that the USSR had just lost the Cold War.

And shortly afterwards, the Wall came tumblin' down...

We need to keep up the pressure on this folks, get support from both Dems and Pubs...and eventully this will all fall apart of it's own weight. ANY opponent looks really tough, until you hit them in the right place, maybe just hard enough, maybe just long enough.

The people are on our side.

 

[UncleBuck]

All it would take is one modern Harry Anslinger to demand that the law be enforced, and pot-smokers will be seeing the inside of jail cells.

didn't tea partiers like ted cruz and company just take to the senate floor and demand that cannabis laws be enforced?

http://hemp.org/news/content/texas-sen-ted-cruz-says-not-enforcing-federal-marijuana-laws-dangerous-liberty

why yes, he did.

he even said it was "dangerous to liberty".

WTF is wrong with you tea party types?

 

[freddfish]

A good bit of this support is very soft and will evaporate if there is even a little push back from the anti's. A poll must show about 56% support right b4 the election to pass.

All due respect, brother....but I think you are giving the antis too much credit. They are on the wrong side of history.

It may take a while, but with the shift in public opinoion, just a matter of time.

 

[freddfish]

Russ' shows can be recalled.U should be able to rerun the show. He hasn't broadcast all week, guess he is on vacation or something.The stories U hear coming from the Redneck states are longshot news articles played up by some wag, like it is a sure thing, for a payday.That is my take on news from Texas and the recent blabber about Kentucky legalizing.The only backwards state I give a chance to is Mississippi and that is a long shot, due to the initiative backers having no experience. I actually think the peeps there realize they are so poor they need the green rush more than any other state.

As long as they are talking about it, progress is being made. Keep it in the news, the talk shows, the blogs, etc

Yeah...some of it is wishful thinking, you are quite correct. But SOMETIMES, if enough people wish for something, it becomes true.


(Well, time to sack out. G'night, John-boy.....)

 

[overgrowem]

All due respect, brother....but I think you are giving the antis too much credit. They are on the wrong side of history.

It may take a while, but with the shift in public opinoion, just a matter of time.

FL. polled at 72% prior to the vote. Can't recall the % day b4 election, but it polled as passing 63%?. actually got 57.7%?... 5.5 polling points did not actually exist. This is the rule not the exception, and the antis vote

 

[overgrowem]

" All it would take is one modern Harry Anslinger to demand that the law be enforced, and pot-smokers will be seeing the inside of jail cells".

The BIGGEST fed battle to date is set already. I believe the Kansas, Okla suit is to be heard in June?. That decision will make the other suits moot, Sheriffs, Holiday Inn, etc.. As I understand it the Supremacy clause will be at stake, I Do not see how Scotus can rule for Colo.,forcing a quick resched. or chaos..I also believe a half assed resched. will NOT fix the impact of a pro supremacy decision, Maybe the case is a blessing, forcing unscheduling?