Pubdate: Thu, 05 Mar 2015
Source: Sacramento News & Review (CA)
Copyright: 2015 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://newsreview.com/sacto/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/540
Author: Ngaio Bealum

Tokin' through the USA

HEY NGAIO, IS WEED LEGAL IN THE USA YET?

- -Hans and Frans

Not yet, but a few things that happened last week will definitely 
pump (clap) you up!

While U.S. congressional reps Jared Polis, D-Colorado, and Earl 
Blumenauer, D-Oregon, have both introduced bills that would legalize 
marijuana at the federal level, I don't expect them to get very far 
in this Republican-controlled Congress.

However, Washington, D.C., has gone ahead and decriminalized 
marijuana, despite threats from some of the more conservative members 
of Congress. I would pretend to be shocked that these so-called 
"proponents of small government" (looking at you, Jeff Chaffetz, 
R-Utah) would threaten D.C.'s mayor with jail time for ratifying an 
initiative that won with 69 percent of the vote, but is anyone 
surprised at the amount of hypocrisy displayed by today's 
politicians? I would suggest that everyone in Congress spark a fat 
bowl right now. It might help them get their shit together.

Speaking of Utah, a bill to allow medical cannabis made it through 
committee and is proceeding to the Utah Senate for a vote. The bill 
is superstrict. No home grows and no smoking of cannabis. Edibles 
only. It may seem like a small step, but for Utah this is huge. Take 
that, Jeff Chaffetz!

I have to say that I'm liking this growing trend of politicians 
introducing marijuana law reform measures. The Georgia House just 
passed a medical marijuana bill on to the senate. Florida State 
Senator Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, also introduced a bill to allow 
recreational marijuana use for adults. We need need to see more of 
this. Call your representatives and let them them know you would like 
them to introduce (and support!) cannabis law reform legislation.

And oh yeah, weed is legal in Alaska again. And the Oregon 
legalization law goes into effect July 1. Time to plan that great 
Alaska Highway road trip.

I know it may be a little early, but do you think marijuana law 
reform will be be a big issue during the 2016 elections?

- -Wanda Wonkette

Hell yes. Marijuana will be a huge topic in 2016. Many politicians 
have already stated their positions. Rand Paul is is for weed. Hilary 
Clinton says she has no problem with medical use, but is still 
unconvinced about recreational use. Gavin Newsom (he is expected to 
run for governor in 2018) is downright pot friendly.

It is our job as citizen activists to make sure our elected officials 
are on board the cannabis legalization wagon. If you are talking to 
your more liberal candidates, talk to them about the racial 
disparities of the drug war. If you are talking to the right wingers, 
be sure to mention "states' rights" and "freedom." Try to yell 
"America!" every once in a while. In both cases, talk about votes. And money.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom