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veggie

Registered: 07/25/04
Posts: 17,504
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US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year
#14340307 - 04/23/11 07:58 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year April 23, 2011 - Drug War Chronicle by Phillip Smith
America is on the cusp of majority support for marijuana legalization, but legalization is not inevitable and it's up to activists and the multi-billion-dollar marijuana industry to start throwing their weight around to make it happen, US Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) told an overflow crowd during the keynote address at NORML's 40th annual conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown Denver Saturday afternoon.
"I am optimistic that we will reach a day when America has the smart, sensible marijuana policy that we deserve," Polis told an attentive audience. "But it could go either way. We could return to the dark ages of repression, or we could be on the eve of a new era of marijuana legalization. Your efforts will help determine which route this country takes and the legacy of this generation of activists on what marijuana policy looks like. Together we can accomplish this," he told the crowd.
Polis said that he would file a marijuana legalization bill this session in Congress. The language was still being developed, he added. He is also working on a bill that would address problems the medical marijuana industry is having with banks, he said.
"Marijuana policy is really coming of age," the businessman turned politician said. "Our Colorado model is very exciting," he added, touting the vibrant local medical marijuana industry on display for conference attendees from across the country. "In my last two elections, even my Republican opponents were for legalization. It's become a very mainstream value here."
That assertion is likely to be put to the test next year. Colorado and national drug reform groups have already announced they plan to put a legalization initiative on the ballot for 2012. A similar initiative in 2006 got 44% of the vote, but that was before the state's medical marijuana boom and its resulting economic impact. While the medical marijuana boom may have created a backlash, its economic benefits could counter that, Polis suggested.
"The marijuana industry here generated $1.7 billion last year and thousands of jobs," he pointed out. "It has created jobs, and jobs in ancillary businesses, it has filled storefronts and filled our alternative newspapers with ads, it has created work for lawyers and accountants, it has created tax revenues. There is a direct nexus to jobs and the economy and deficit reduction," he said.
"We are at a tipping point, on the unprecedented cusp of legalization," Polis told the audience. "The progress at the state level has led the way, but it won't come nationally until it happens in a critical mass of states. Then there comes much more pressure on Congress to legalize and regulate at the national level. Our streets will be safer and our economy stronger."
While no state with the partial exception of Alaska has legalized marijuana, that critical mass could come sooner rather than later. In the best case scenario, the entire West Coast and Colorado could legalize through the initiative process by the end of next year. Meanwhile, legislative efforts at legalization are advancing in New England and the Northeast.
Polis has emerged as one of a handful of US representatives who have publicly supported marijuana legalization or decriminalization. Others include Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA), Peter Stark (D-CA), and Ron Paul (R-TX). While the Obama administration has been arguably sympathetic to medical marijuana -- although recent raids and some US attorneys' statements have raised activists' hackles -- Polis wants a legalization bill to protect patients in medical marijuana states in the event of a less friendly future administration, but to go further as well.
Polis has demonstrated before that he is not afraid to go public with his anti-prohibitionist views. At the end of last month, he appeared at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, standing alongside representatives of the newly-formed medical marijuana industry lobbying group, the National Cannabis Industry Association.
"Ending the failed policy of prohibition with regard to marijuana will strike a major blow against the criminal cartels that are terrorizing Americans and Mexicans on both sides of the border," he said at that time.
Polis wrote a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder last February asking him to ensure the feds complied with its October 19th memo on respecting state law. "Treating drug policy as primarily an issue of public health, as opposed to an issue of criminal justice, is both practical and compassionate and it has been and will continue to be supported by the voters of Colorado," he said then.
Polis is a Democratic progressive, and marijuana legalization fits squarely into a progressive agenda he has created with his Fearless Campaign, which also emphasizes education reform, immigration reform, food security, net neutrality, and gay, lesbian, and transgender issues.
"Close to half of Americans support legalization, yet progress is Congress is still far away," Polis said Saturday. "That's why I launched the Fearless Campaign. It's really about informing you about what's happening on Capitol Hill and empowering you to speak truth to power. We want the advocacy community tied in. These are transforming issues that are too hot to handle, but too important to ignore. Politicians need to know they're not alone, that you have their backs," he said.
"I think Americans are ready for a serious discussion about tough issues," Polis continued. "Reforming our failed drug policies is a prime example of that. Our policy of marijuana prohibition is a failed policy that doesn’t make our communities safer, while driving legitimate economic activity underground."
Efforts at legalization are growing close to fruition on both coasts, and with representatives like Jared Polis now holding forth in Congress, even that august institution is being infected with the legalization virus. The times, they are a-changing.
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Shroom lover
Lord Shiva



Registered: 08/09/09
Posts: 580
Loc: LSD island
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: veggie]
#14340389 - 04/23/11 08:21 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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If America was truly ready for legalization then why did one of the most liberal states in the nation (California) not pass a bill to legalize it?
-------------------- Lets go back in the time machine to ancient india and smoke Hashish with Lord Shiva. "nuthin beats a couple bowls at midnight when the world around you is fast asleep" - LetsGetBlazed
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Le_Canard
The Duk Abides


Registered: 05/16/03
Posts: 94,392
Loc: Earthfarm 1
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: Shroom lover]
#14340619 - 04/23/11 08:59 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Pressure from illegal growers and hard-line conservatives. We are getting closer to it every day. The very fact that it's even on a ballot in some states is a sea-change from even 15 or 20 years ago.
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LadyLittleZeppelin
Stoner



Registered: 10/30/09
Posts: 1,513
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: Shroom lover]
#14340624 - 04/23/11 09:00 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Because the bill was flawed and aimed at making the man who wrote it very rich. Look at who voted for it and who didn't. Humbolt county had a 38% yes vote I believe.
-------------------- SHROOMS MAKE YOU GAY ~ Crystal G said: its cuzzzzzz i giiiiiive a meeeeean blooooowjjjobbbb.
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LSDylan
bass music enjoyer



Registered: 05/26/10
Posts: 4,992
Loc: Michigan
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: LadyLittleZeppelin]
#14341297 - 04/23/11 11:24 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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this article put a smile on my face
-------------------- DanceSafe | Voluntaryism
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Le_Canard
The Duk Abides


Registered: 05/16/03
Posts: 94,392
Loc: Earthfarm 1
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: LSDylan]
#14341343 - 04/23/11 11:34 PM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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As it does mine. But he should start with federal decriminalization first, though. It might have a better chance of passing.
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Owsley2.0
Homo Sapien
Registered: 04/14/11
Posts: 47
Last seen: 12 years, 9 months
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: veggie]
#14341583 - 04/24/11 12:33 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Took long enough. Have a feeling it will take a few shots.
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CaptainAhab


Registered: 12/25/09
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: Owsley2.0]
#14341997 - 04/24/11 03:04 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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It won't pass on the first go round. In 10 years, maybe.
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Owsley2.0
Homo Sapien
Registered: 04/14/11
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: CaptainAhab]
#14342002 - 04/24/11 03:05 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Good prediction. I'm goin with 2020. It's like, finally we see clearly.
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Annapurna1
liberal pussy


Registered: 05/21/02
Posts: 5,646
Loc: innsmouth..MA
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: Owsley2.0]
#14342110 - 04/24/11 03:42 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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cynthia mckinney filed a bill to impeach bu$hco for LIHOPping 9/11 in the 2002 lame duck session.. and the truth was no less on her side it is on polis'...likewise..polis' proposal will go about as far as mckinneys' did...
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mikehauncho


Registered: 06/17/09
Posts: 567
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year *DELETED* [Re: LadyLittleZeppelin]
#14342191 - 04/24/11 04:33 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Post deleted by mikehaunchoReason for deletion: LE
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guest1
Mycena




Registered: 05/25/09
Posts: 852
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: mikehauncho]
#14342364 - 04/24/11 07:09 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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 Just don't over do it, they always do it wrong. Get as much criticism as you can and consider everything, get a bill that most people agree on and cater to those that oppose it by addressing those issues. If you try too much at once or leave huge vague issues on the table, it will ALWAYS FAIL! 
Be smart.
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Doc_T
Random Dude




Registered: 03/06/09
Posts: 42,395
Loc: Colorado
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: mikehauncho]
#14342395 - 04/24/11 07:24 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
mikehauncho said:
Quote:
LadyLittleZeppelin said: Because the bill was flawed and aimed at making the man who wrote it very rich. Look at who voted for it and who didn't. Humbolt county had a 38% yes vote I believe.
So the people who can already grow marijuana and are selling it didn't vote for a bill for everyone else to be able to? what a suprise
Yes of course- would you vote to put yourself out of business? Legalization is a mixed bag, it brings changes to the system that many here will not like.
-------------------- You make it all possible. Doesn't it feel good?
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batman returns
Dude man



Registered: 09/12/09
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: Doc_T]
#14342509 - 04/24/11 08:11 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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The game is changing, more change is inevitable. The only way to deal with it is to grow only what you can get rid of, and grow only the best you can. Yields aside, just go for quality, IMO.
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Doc_T
Random Dude




Registered: 03/06/09
Posts: 42,395
Loc: Colorado
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: batman returns]
#14342526 - 04/24/11 08:16 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Yep. The law is written to control the number of plants, so more potent plants are more efficient. Prices go up and up, and then there will be taxes on top of that.
-------------------- You make it all possible. Doesn't it feel good?
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LongStrangeTrip
Deadhead


Registered: 09/19/09
Posts: 5,382
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: Doc_T]
#14342654 - 04/24/11 09:02 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
Doc_T said: Yep. The law is written to control the number of plants, so more potent plants are more efficient. Prices go up and up, and then there will be taxes on top of that.
Yep. And no matter what, in a world with legalized cannabis, there will always be a good amount of people constantly on the search for the best and most potent buds. The local growers who can provide this will always be able to profit, no matter where they are and no matter how many places are selling the stuff.
-------------------- Nothing I say or do is factual; every single thing I write is a work of fiction. Got no idea what I'm talking about here~ "Once in awhile, you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right"~ (Grateful Dead) "o puer, qui omnia nomini debes"; "You, boy, who owe's everything to a name"~ Mark Anthony "Nihil est incertius vulgo, nihil obscurius voluntate hominum, nihil fallacius ratione tota comitiorum."; "Nothing is more unpredictable than the mob, nothing more obscure than public opinion, nothing more deceptive than the whole political system."~ Cicero
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Doc_T
Random Dude




Registered: 03/06/09
Posts: 42,395
Loc: Colorado
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: LongStrangeTrip]
#14342660 - 04/24/11 09:04 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Yes/no. Local growers will lose out to bigger corporate suppliers over time. Economy of scale. More legalization = more corporatization.
-------------------- You make it all possible. Doesn't it feel good?
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limestoneman
The Return


Registered: 04/09/11
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: Doc_T]
#14342745 - 04/24/11 09:36 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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What's gonna stop me from growing my own in my shed under a reptile lamp when it's legal? Is homegrown weed still going to be illegal?
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Doc_T
Random Dude




Registered: 03/06/09
Posts: 42,395
Loc: Colorado
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: limestoneman]
#14342789 - 04/24/11 09:53 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Homegrown booze is.
-------------------- You make it all possible. Doesn't it feel good?
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limestoneman
The Return


Registered: 04/09/11
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Re: US Congressman to File Marijuana Legalization Bill This Year [Re: Doc_T]
#14342839 - 04/24/11 10:10 AM (12 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
Doc_T said: Homegrown booze is.
True. but that's even harder to catch unless you're actually selling bootleg liquor.
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