Supporters of legalization of medical marijuana on Wednesday vowed to press getting the issue on the Nov. 8 ballot, despite a series of deadlines that make it nearly impossible. On Tuesday, state officials said Oklahomans for Health had collected more than enough signatures to get the issue before voters. Supporters collected 67,761 signatures; the requirement was 65,987 signatures. But a series of deadlines means the question likely will have to wait until June or November 2018, the next scheduled primary and general elections. [continues 469 words]
Well, I think political correctness has reached its limit of stupidity. Recreational marijuana, hooray, what's next - recreational cocaine, heroin, speed, meth? Now on cocaine, does recreational mean you snort only a three-inch line, and any longer it's a crime? On pot, does the joint have to be a certain length to be legal, or on heroin a butterfly syringe or one used for horses? What in the world have the people in this city, county and state been thinking? Recreational used to be outside running, playing some games, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming and just getting some fresh air and exercise. Oh, I forgot, we now get thumb exercises playing games on the stupid cell phones almost all waking hours or phone glued to ear. This last is ignored even when they suspect it may be causing brain tumors. Those using this new toy of the generation are not only kids but adults, making conversation by appointment only. [continues 183 words]
Last week a group of Missouri prosecutors announced it had taken legal steps to block voter consideration of a medical marijuana proposition on the November ballot. In a news release, the group said it opposes the measure because pot is illegal under federal law. "Missouri law cannot usurp federal law," the prosecutors claim. That doesn't seem to have been a problem in Colorado, where recreational marijuana is sold, but let's leave that aside for the moment. Instead, let's focus on the prosecutors' central argument: state law, they say, must give way to federal law whenever there's a conflict. [continues 383 words]
In November, voters in as many as 12 states will see a marijuana legalization initiative on their ballots. Marijuana is already legal for recreational use in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Washington, D.C. Another 25 states have legalized medical marijuana, including Hawaii. The era of marijuana prohibition is rapidly coming to a close. Unfortunately, lawmakers lack easy answers to tough questions facing the marijuana industry. Legalization presents challenges on a number of fronts, including distribution, taxation, consumption, security and public health. [continues 861 words]
On Nov. 6, 2012 the people of Colorado decisively voted to legalize recreational marijuana. Amendment 64 passed with 55.3 percent of the vote. In Boulder County Amendment 64 received 66.4 percent of the vote. The margin in the City of Boulder was even higher. But you would never know it by the cavalier way County and City elected leaders have chosen to "regulate" marijuana growers in the ensuing four years. Start with Boulder County. Shortly after the passage of Amendment 64 the Boulder County Commissioners voted to ban commercial marijuana production in the agricultural areas of Boulder County. The ban applied to both outdoor and indoor production. [continues 610 words]
It's Time to Conquer Addiction for the Good of Everyone; Victims and Police Included Try holding your breath for 72 seconds. It's uncomfortable, but you'll live, unlike Anthony Heffernan at the end of those 72 seconds in that Calgary Super 8 hotel room. By now, many Calgarians are divided into one of two camps regarding the tragic death of this young man, who was shot four times by police as he held a syringe in one hand and a lighter in another while under the dreadful influence of cocaine. [continues 593 words]
Of all the wrongs meted out by the criminal justice system, few are more unfair to poor, mostly minority Americans than the way police abuse civil asset forfeiture laws. Every year, cops seize and keep millions of dollars in cash and property from people who haven't been charged with - or convicted of - - a crime. They do it without warrants and use proceeds from the seized assets to pad depleted police department budgets. Stories abound of Californians being pulled over for minor traffic offenses only to have their vehicles towed away and cash taken. Nationally, police take more property from Americans than burglars do, violating rights in the name of fighting crime. [continues 333 words]
JOINT EFFORT: Cities Say They Need Revenue to Cover Costs That Come With Legalization of Marijuana B.C. municipalities are appealing for a share of future taxes to help cover the costs of regulating pot dispensaries, as marijuana appears set to become legal in Canada by next spring. The cities of Duncan, Nelson and Prince George have each put forward resolutions to the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention next month, suggesting that the UBCM petition the federal government to provide local governments with a portion of future federal or provincial tax collected through marijuana sales and distribution. [continues 447 words]
Re "Regulate potency in pot before legalizing it" (Forum, Aug. 21): Any attempt to regulate the potency - the THC level - of cannabis will just keep the black market thriving and the drug cartels profiting. Environmental disasters due to rogue growers will not be curtailed. The author says he researched his story, but he compares cannabis to alcohol and opiates? Marijuana is nowhere near as addicting, and no one has ever died from excessive cannabis intake. Decades of research point to a variety of medical uses for this unique compound, including pain relief, relief from PTSD, nausea and vomiting, as well as appetite stimulation, and benefits for asthma, glaucoma and as a sleep aid. The much revered Rick Simpson Oil used as a cure for cancer contains a high level of THC. I do agree with Sam Quinones that "legalizing marijuana needs to happen," but not with his concept of regulating the THC level. Jeff Ball, Sacramento [end]
PHOENIX - Opponents of a voter initiative legalizing recreational marijuana in Arizona are asking the Arizona Supreme Court to overturn a judge's decision and block the measure from the ballot. The group called Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy said in a filing that if Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Jo Lynn Gentry's ruling stands, "courts no longer have the power to prevent fraud on the electorate." Gentry ruled last week that foes can't challenge it because of a 2015 law. She went on to reject all the opponents' arguments against the initiative. Legalization backers told the high court that Gentry got it right and said the opponents' case was politicized and filled with incorrect arguments. Staff and wire reports [end]