Pubdate: Fri, 13 Dec 2013
Source: Richmond News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013, Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.richmond-news.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1244
Cited: Sensible BC: http://www.sensiblebc.ca

LEGAL POT ON THE WAY

Let's just consider it a trial balloon, or perhaps a trial
doobie.

Sensible B.C. - the group trying to spark a referendum on
decriminalizing pot - has come up short.

It needed close to 300,000 petition signatures to force a referendum
on the issue, and it achieved 200,000.

But that's a first-time run at the process during a 90-day window
using volunteers.

The group was certainly buoyed by Washington and Colorado's recent
decriminalization of marijuana and lots of support from politicians
and police.

It is, however, still hampered by rural folks who aren't as fast to
embrace the pot movement.

Getting high isn't high on a lot of folks' lists. In fact, there's
still a good percentage of B.C. taxpayers who think that more giggling
and getting the munchies is not what will propel the B.C. economy forward.

But those folks are quickly becoming the minority. We think that
Sensible B.C. has probably figured out that they just have to work
harder to get the undecideds and potential pot supporters off their
duffs to offset the anti-pot folks.

Sensible B.C. appears ready to keep working, since their Twitter
account proclaimed this week: "210,000 signatures is a remarkable
accomplishment. Thanks to all volunteers & canvassers. This is just
the beginning!" They're undoubtedly right, and it is just a matter of
time. Our society is looking for more ways to zone out, and pot is
probably one of the milder alternatives.

When you consider all the pharmaceuticals available and, of course,
booze, pot may soon become just another option on the menu in the
quest for altered states of consciousness.
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MAP posted-by: Matt