It Could Be That Much Better to Live in Michigan
September 19th, 2008 by Perry
For the first time, Michigan is placing a piece of medical marijuana legislation on the ballot.
This could be huge. A blue state for the previous four elections, I think one of the big surprises of this move has to be why it took so long. Perhaps its consideration as a traditionally-valued, mid-western state may have contributed to the delay. Regardless, the fact that such a state could put such a proposition on the ballot, indicates a positive shift in thinking across the heartland.
San Fran Decriminalizes It
November 15th, 2006 by Tim
De-prioritization makes its way to San Francisco as the Board of Supervisors pass more lenient guidelines to restructure marijuana policy. This would probably be bigger news if drug usage wasn’t such a serious part of San Fran culture already, taking into account that people there smoke crack so casually. Nevertheless, these are positive signs towards imminent legalization and I think that’s progressive.
Slow down buddy, it’s not all roses and fairytales. There are still laws that remain in place to punish obvious criminal acts: driving under the influence, possession or use by minors, and if marijuana is the source of a public safety threat. Public safety threat? On pot? Well, anything is possible I suppose.
This change in policy has some critics believing the law has become too tolerant and almost allows a free-for-all. Kim Stryker, Fair Oaks Community Coalition said:
There’s no reason to get a permit for a medical facility, there’s no reason to get a medical card - you just go to your neighbor and buy what you want in unlimited amounts according to this legislation.
Reminiscent of the newly approved laws in Santa Cruz, there is always going to be some backlash while people adjust. Still, this is damn good news.
[via ABC 7]
