California Police Dept. Challenging State Laws
December 15th, 2008 by Perry
NORML recently released a letter (.pdf) asking for DEA help in fighting medical marijuana. The letter cites a lengthy presentation by El Cerrito Police Department, which talks at length the dangers posed by selling MMJ in a community.
The letter provides an attitude by the police chiefs association which runs in stark contrast to state law, which has allowed medical marijuana since 1996.
Quoted from the Drug Law Blog:
The purpose of doing this, the letter states, would be to send a strong message to local and county government that ‘medical marijuana’ is not allowed.
Several members of the organization also flew to Michigan, to unsuccessfully campaign for the defeat of Michigan’s medical marijuana initiative.
NORML CON 2008
November 17th, 2008 by AlexAlthough this video won’t make anyone grip their seat in suspense, it’s a good example of the more advanced dialogue that goes on between active members of the marijuana reform movement.
Above is a talk that involves the bias of mainstream media in its presentation of cannabis to the public. You could also listen to Rob Kampia talk about pot and politics.
Or, find something interesting in this long list of NORML CON 2008 videos.
NORML Extends Deadlines for $10,000 Ad Contest
November 14th, 2008 by Perry
Stoners do like to procratinate.
So it shouldn’t be any surprise NORML has extended the submission deadline for flash animation and video entries for their ad contest until January 15, 2009. Contest rules and submission guidelines are available here.
Washington, DC: Want to express your outrage at America’s draconian marijuana policies - and win thousands in cash too?
What a great idea, counter the propaganda, with propaganda, and try to win $10,000. Not a bad idea. To give you an idea of what to submit, check out a clip from last year’s winner.
The Time is Right for Marijuana Law Reform
November 13th, 2008 by Perry
According to recent blog posts by NORML, never before has there been a more perfect time to push for marijuana law reform.
The election of Barack Obama, coupled with Democrat control of both the House and the Senate, presents a unique and critical opportunity for federal marijuana law reform.
A good point, and remember… electing a good politician is only half the battle. You still have to stay on top of them in hopes they don’t get too politician-y on you. Don’t forget, people liked Bush at one time too and now his approval rating is in the low 30s range.
Being the helpful and forward-thinking organization they are, NORML created three prepared statements you can send here, directly to the new administration… Something we touched on earlier in another recent post.
The statements prepared by NORML:
Statement #1: President Obama must uphold his campaign promise to cease the federal arrest and prosecution of (state) law-abiding medical cannabis patients and dispensaries by appointing leaders at the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the US Department of Justice, and the US Attorney General’s office who will respect the will of the voters in the thirteen states that have legalized the physician-supervised use of medicinal marijuana.
Statement #2: President Obama should use the power of the bully pulpit to reframe the drug policy debate from one of criminal policy to one of public health. Obama can stimulate this change by appointing directors to the Office of National Drug Control Policy who possess professional backgrounds in public health, addiction, and treatment rather than in law enforcement.
Statement #3: President Obama should follow up on statements he made earlier in his career in favor of the decriminalization of marijuana by adults by calling for the creation of a bi-partisan Presidential Commission to review the budgetary, social, and health costs associated with federal marijuana prohibition, and to make progressive recommendations for future policy changes.
[img via Flickr/Vincent Brown]
All the Young Dudes
October 21st, 2008 by Perry
In a recent speech, NORML activist Paul Armentano calls out for young people (especially) to enlist in the fight against the War on Drugs. Citing that 74 percent of all people arrested for marijuana are under 30, he called the W.O.D., “a war on you.”
If you want to become involved, the best way to “enlist” is to apply to for a medical marijuana prescription and let your city council members know you want a dispensary in your town.
The Bust Counter Reaches 20,000,000
October 10th, 2008 by Perry
According to government statistics, by Friday Uncle Sam will have arrested 20 million Americans for marijuana use. And there’s no sign those numbers will slow down any time soon.
But don’t take it from me, take it from NORML executive director Allen St. Pierre:
This policy is a tremendous waste of taxpayers’ resources; it destroys the lives of millions of otherwise law-abiding citizens, and threatens the personal liberties and freedoms of all Americans. We’ve now arrested more American citizens for pot than the entire population of Massachusetts, Michigan, and Oregon combined.
Wow.
Governor, Why Is Pot Still Illegal?
October 3rd, 2008 by Perry
Paul Armentano, a cannabis legal expert and member of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws,) is calling out names. He lists seven governors (6 Repub., 1 Dem.) who single-handedly shot down reforms that would have made marijuana either legal or decriminalized.
Now get out there and put some pressure on your local representative. Remember, this movement has to start at the roots…
You in Here for Some Marijuana? Marijuana?!
September 16th, 2008 by Perry
The FBI released annual crime statistics that counted 872,721 Americans arrested for marijuana possession in 2007. Almost 90 percent of the cases were simple possession. Even more astounding, 12 of the most populous states have medicinal marijuana laws, some where you can’t be arrested for possession.
The good folks at NORML (National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws) put down the pipe long enough to do some pretty amazing calculations. The total number represents a five percent increase, from last year, and works out to about one pot smoker arrested every thirty-seven seconds.
