Pubdate: Sun, 17 Oct 2010 Source: Times-Standard (Eureka, CA) Copyright: 2010 Times-Standard Contact: http://www.times-standard.com/writeus Website: http://www.times-standard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1051 Author: Scott Kender READY TO HOT BOX IN CELEBRATION I am so excited that I can't keep it to myself. For the first time in my life, I will assist in the process of legalizing marijuana by voting yes on Proposition 19! I am glad this proposition does not affect my rights as a 215 patient. As a consumer, I will no longer have to worry about possessing a personal use amount. As a supporter of domestic hemp production, marijuana legalization will eliminate the barriers to this enterprise. My main rebuttal to those opposed to the measure: Legalization is a process. Once Proposition 19 passes, it will be up to the state, counties and courts to work out the particulars. If growers in California have sense, they have the golden opportunity to turn prime growing regions into the boutique cannabis market, just like Napa/Sonoma now do for wine. I can't believe I am siding with "the Governator" -- the savings in court/prison costs for misdemeanor offenders will be a big shot in the arm for the budget. I am also happy to see various choices for all the local and state races, beyond the Democrats and Republicans. I vote straight Green myself. If you feel dissatisfied with the current party system, check out the other parties' candidates and see if they don't meet your expectations better than Tweedledee/Tweedledum. Anyone want to hot box at my place on Nov. 3 in celebration? Scott Kender Garberville - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom