Legalizing recreational of cannabis use at least nationally still looks to be a uphill battle with a recent survey showing 30% of those surveyed in favor. But the same survey from the University of Iowa, released last week showed 65% of those same people favor changes in laws allowing the use of cannabis for medical purposes. The sampling size was small, roughly 1500 people in 40 states. A API/CNBC poll from April of 2010 showed 60% in favor of medical use. A ABC/Washington Post poll from January of 2010 showed an amazing 81% in favor legalization for medical use. The demographic is these polls where roughly even between Democrats, Republicains, and Independants. Israel one of the United States closest allies recently expanded their medical cannabis program from 1 doctor being allowed to prescribe cannabis to 5 doctors. Patients there get their medicine right from the local pharmacy and according to the article I read, they get it for free. FYI Israel leads the world in cannabis research. I for one have decided to make one of my goals for 2011 to forward any and all information I come across to my elected officals state and nationally and writting newspaper editorials monthly. It's time to start teaching people the truth, are you willing to give the hour or so a month it would take to do this?
Maybe so, but if we all take the time to learn the truth and pass it along to others when given the chance, it will come sooner then you think. I plan on starting a journal shortly to share the facts that maybe alot of younger people aren't aware of. Stop in in about a week when I get it started.
Yeah I heard the Governor just signed so that what 28grams or less is civil now plus the medical. But some aren't so lucky, hell our out going Governor signed a bill pretty much putting head shops out of business and a bit earlier signed another making the growth of 25 plants good for a felony and 15 years in prison. Hell I believe even the feds set their lower limit at 300 plants. We have a group trying to get medical on the ballot but they have that so rigged as to make it almost impossible. The ballots are only good for so long, which may be normal, But I believe you need 65,000 valid signatures to get certified by the board of elections but almost 700,000 to get it on the ballot. Last I heard we had about 10% of the signatures needed to get it on the ballot. My whole thing is you see polls from the Miami Herald saying something like, and don't quote me, 70% of residents over I think 55 are in favor of at least medical cannabis. But people seem to be afraid to sign the petition thinking I quess they'll get put on some secret list. You have the fortune of living in the holyland of cannabis, not only is the area beautiful country but your laws are so favorible. My goal with the journal that I'm starting is to share the background of the laws concerning cannabis and hemp and how prejudice and greed set things in motion to where we are today. Even if just 12 people read it and learn something, they will pass it on to others. There's so much more involved in our current laws then the fact that cannabis is supposed to be bad for you. Damn sorry for the speech.
Same in MA, we can get fined for having under an ounce; but in most cases I've heard of, the cops will leave you alone as long as you aren't smoking right in front of them. And I agree that MJ won't be legalized in the near future. People are still pretty misinformed over how dangerous it actually is, and the House of Representatives is now in Republican control and there is no way in hell they would ever vote for looser drug laws. It would be political suicide for most elected officials (Democrats included) to vote in favor of legalizing marijuana. The first kid that goes out an drives high and gets into an accident, and the media would be trying to crucify any politician who tries to say that pot is OK. Sometimes American politics can be so frustrating. I do think that over the course of the next 5 years or so, more states will move toward decriminalizing MJ and maybe some of the states that already have will remove the fines altogether. It will be a gradual change.
Seeing as we live in a paranoid police state, I can't see it happening anytime soon. I do hope I am wrong though. Some states have opened their eyes, while the feds close their eyes and seem to live to make life unbearable for cannabis lovers. They were hovering over my farm and cabin this summer, looking like soldiers dressed for battle.......Sucks man....;-)
its great living in a divided country.. < this Someone on the east coast wishes California would fall into the ocean..
