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* The big news yesterday was that for the first time ever a Pew Research Center poll shows majority support for legalizing marijuana…
* But, to me, these are the two most interesting results…
Nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) say that in general, government efforts to enforce marijuana laws cost more than they are worth. And when it comes to the question of whether the federal government should enforce marijuana laws in states that have approved marijuana use, a majority (60%) says it should not.
There is agreement across partisan and demographic groups that federal government enforcement of marijuana laws is not worth the cost. Fully 78% of independents, 71% of Democrats and 67% of Republicans say government enforcement efforts cost more than they are worth.
Similarly, there is substantial opposition to the federal government enforcing marijuana laws in states that permit the legal use of marijuana: 64% of independents say the federal government should not enforce federal marijuana laws in such states, as do 59% of Democrats and 57% of Republicans.
The people are way, way ahead of their “spend billions of dollars to lock the pot heads in steel cages” governments.
* Also…
By 77% to 16%, most say that marijuana does have legitimate medical uses. In an ABC News survey in 1997, a smaller majority (58%) said it had legitimate medical uses, while 34% said it did not.
There are only modest partisan differences in views of the medical uses of marijuana: 82% of independents, 76% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans say it has legitimate medical uses. Age is also a factor in these views, but even among those 65 and older – who oppose legalizing marijuana use by nearly two-to-one – a majority (60%) says that marijuana has legitimate medical uses.
And we don’t have medical marijuana in Illinois… why?
* Two more things…
Over the past three decades, there has been a substantial decline in the percentage saying that for most people marijuana leads to the use of hard drugs. Just 38% express that view currently; in a 1977 Gallup survey, 60% said marijuana led to the use of hard drugs. […]
The percentage of Americans who say that smoking marijuana is morally wrong also has declined dramatically since 2006. A survey earlier this year found that 32% of Americans say that smoking marijuana is morally wrong, down 18 points since 2006. Over the same period, the percentage saying it is not a moral issue has increased by 15 points (from 35% to 50%).
The bottom has almost completely fallen out from under prohibition supporters. The public is no longer with them. Now if only our state and federal legislators would start listening we could stop this insane drug war.
* An appendix…
Only medical marijuana is legal:
AZ, DE, DC, HI, MI, MT, NJ, NM, VTMarijuana is decriminalized:
MN, MS, NE, NY, NC, OHMedical marijuana is legal and marijuana decriminalized:
AK, CA, CO, CT, ME, MA, MS, NV, OR, RI, WANot decriminalized or medical:
AL, AR, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, NH, ND, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY
* Methodology…
Most of the analysis in this report is based on telephone interviews conducted March 13-17, 2013, among a national sample of 1,501 adults, 18 years of age or older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia (750 respondents were interviewed on a landline telephone, and 751 were interviewed on a cell phone, including 385 who had no landline telephone). The survey was conducted by Abt SRBI. A combination of landline and cell phone random digit dial samples were used; both samples were provided by Survey Sampling International. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. Respondents in the landline sample were selected by randomly asking for the youngest adult male or female who is now at home. Interviews in the cell sample were conducted with the person who answered the phone, if that person was an adult 18 years of age or older.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:20 am
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Rich, are you a marijuana user?
Comment by Ucster Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:22 am
No, I am not.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:25 am
…And I’m not a Communist, either, Sen. McCarthy.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:32 am
I’m not, either. Never had any interest in the stuff. The people I knew in college that were avid users always seemed goofy. I don’t think legalization is the answer, but prison time doesn’t seem reasonable either.
Comment by Ucster Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:35 am
I don’t think you’re a commie.
Comment by Ucster Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:37 am
But have you ever been associated with a known marijuana user lol
Comment by Jimbo Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:37 am
I say we just make pot a ticketable offense and then retrofit those red light cameras with roach detectors to automate ticketing.
Comment by Alger Hiss Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:38 am
One issue that comes up in states that allow the legal medicinal or any other use of marijuana is DUI impairment levels for THC. For example, the state of Washington has established such levels for DUI. Colorado so far has not, but is grappling with the issue.
Comment by Joe M Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:40 am
Having watched a former high school student who was selected for the National Honor Society transform himself into a near imbecile incapable of making clear headed decisions as a result of graduating from marijuana to a variety of stronger drugs, I suspect that I am still a “NO” vote on legalization. In this person’s life, marijuana was acted as a “gateway” drug. Contrary to most stereotypes, there are some people who do not mellow out from smoking pot. A small subset of users actually react differently and can become aggressive and angry. This person’s family went through thousands of dollars in courts, in rehab facilities and treatment programs and driving him to and from adult probation offices for urine tests.
Why do you think they call it dope?
Comment by Esquire Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:41 am
Weed in society is a lot less dangerous than booze in my opinion. Legalize it now.
Comment by Mouthy Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:46 am
Far out man.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:48 am
First of all I am not a user…..
Having said that, Legalizing would bring in much needed tax revenue, it would spur a new industry.
It may take some releif off the Prison over-crowding.
It would also help the food industry too!!!
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:55 am
Uester - Yeah, the only reason someone could possibly want to change the status quo is if they’re a tie dye wearing Dead-lovin’ hippie. Apparently 52% of the country is now in that demographic, yet I don’t see any outside of Penny Lane anymore. Grow up.
I truly do not think that the DUI portion is sufficient to be a hold up for anyone but those looking to justify the status quo. Alcohol happens to lend itself to realtime, easily gathered metrics that roughly track with impairment. But that doesn’t mean everything else will.
No one gets a DUI for just the DUI part. They get pulled over because they swerved or hit someone, and then the intoxication is tacked on to make the charges more severe. Even if they weren’t drunk, they’d be in trouble for those offenses.
There is no specific DUI standard for cough syrup, or Vicodin, or antibiotics, all of which can result in intoxication and unsafe driving, and all of which are covered by existing road safety rules.
Comment by Colossus Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 8:56 am
===There is no specific DUI standard for cough syrup, or Vicodin, or antibiotics, all of which can result in intoxication and unsafe driving===
Exactly. The DUI thing is a canard.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:01 am
Ending this stupid war would save the state A LOT on prisons and until the feds go along we should rewrite the laws to make it fines. Then we can tax
Dedicate the savings to pensions
Comment by RNUG Fan Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:03 am
Not nor have ever been a user but I am convinced that marijuana (in tablet form) allowed my father to survive testicular cancer treatments in 1977. He told me many times that the treatments he was receiving were much worse than the cancer itself. Ever since that point, I have supported medicinal use of the drug. If it can be used to reduce human suffering why not?
Comment by Stones Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:04 am
Judging for published police blotters, a substantial number of cannabis possession arrests occur after traffic stops. I do not know what the standard should be to compare drug intoxication to alcohol intoxication when driving. Impaired driving should be prohibited on all accounts.
I am not opposed to the use of prescription marijuana for cancer patients, provided that the medical issue is genuine and some controls are in place. In California, some “prescriptions” could be obtained as easily as buying a newspaper or ordering a hot dog or a taco from a street vendor.
Comment by Esquire Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:21 am
There are more deaths from prescription drug overdoses every year than from car accidents or firearms.
The idea that marijuana is a dangerous drug that should be outlawed is just silly.
But I am worried about that Willie Nelson. What’s going to become of that kid if he continues his ways?
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:21 am
=== A small subset of users actually react differently and can become aggressive and angry.===
And a small number of gun owners also murder people.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:26 am
my brother was very close to being a pot head in his younger days, but never went any further than that, although he did make a comment about cocaine one time that indicated that he had tried it. But like a lot of kids and booze, he outgrew it. Has had jobs that required drug testing and always passed. Yes, weed can lead to harder stuff, but so can beer and wine; some people will become druggies, and some will become drunks. We can’t save everybody; in the meantime a lot of people need it, and yes, a lot of people enjoy it. Legalize it and tax it.
Comment by downstate commissioner Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:27 am
If anyone wants to know if I’m a user, I’ll piddle in a cup for cash.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:30 am
Some questions for legalization opponents:
• Are you an alcohol user?
• Even though there is no legitimate medical use for alcohol?
• Even after seeing the grave damage it causes for some alcohol users?
• Even though alcohol use imposes serious societal costs?
• And what about the children?!?
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:30 am
Esquire, the point is that prohibition did nothing to help this person you refer to. If we stop wasting so much money on arresting and locking these people up, we can start spending more on treating their problems.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:34 am
== A small subset of users actually react differently and can become aggressive and angry.==
Also, users of alcohol.
Comment by Cheswick Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:34 am
Esquire, what exactly does your sad anecdote have to do with why pot should stay illegal? Did pot being illegal stop the person in your story from trying pot? No it didn’t.
Pot being illegal didn’t stop me from trying it when I was a national honor society member in high school and wanting to try pot while it was illegal put me in connection with unpleasant characters and unpleasant substances Id never have had exposure to but for pot being illegal.
My pot use like I suspect for many people was just a phase. I can’t help but look back on my young adulthood and my admittedly selfish and stupid decisions and think how lucky I was and how differently my life would have turned out for the worse had my youthful experimentation and bored acting out been punished by our existing drug laws. I don’t think society is worse off for me getting away with it either.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:35 am
Apples and oranges, Rich.
Comment by Esquire Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:37 am
== And a small number of gun owners also murder people. ==
This is my new favorite rejoinder. Thank you for a new rhetorical weapon, Rich, and for all you have done to promote discussion of this issue among informed insiders.
Comment by Colossus Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:38 am
===Apples and oranges===
How so? We don’t criminalize cars for everyone because some people are idiot drivers. And we don’t ban possession of guns by everyone just because some people use guns to murder others.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:42 am
Never used, seriously…
But I have to say, having had to deal with drunks and guys who were stoned when I worked security in college give me the guy who was stoned any day of the week.
Keep it away from kids and you can’t drive on it I would rather see others get put in the pokey…
Comment by OneMan Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:42 am
It is interesting to note that in 2002, Just Born produced around one billion marshmallow Peeps. This year, they produced around two billion! I’m not sure if the increasing acceptance of marijuana is directly related to the consumption of Peeps, but sometimes correlation does indicate causation.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:53 am
==Exactly. The DUI thing is a canard. ==
Are you suggesting that there should be no standard for driving while high? Why don’t we just get rid of driving while drunk while we’re at it. Dumb statement.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:56 am
==Exactly. The DUI thing is a canard. ==
Are you suggesting that there should be no standard for driving while high? Why don’t we just get rid of driving while drunk while we’re at it.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:58 am
===Are you suggesting that there should be no standard for driving while high?===
No, I’m saying make it the same as for other legal drugs like Xanax, or Demerol or Oxycontin.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 9:59 am
@Rich:
Are you allowed to drive while on those drugs? I don’t know, just a question. I know that when you get certain drugs the labels will say don’t operate heavy machinery or don’t drive.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:06 am
Okay. I also thought that you were saying all such traffic stops were a joke when you used the word “canard.”
Comment by Esquire Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:06 am
===I know that when you get certain drugs the labels will say don’t operate heavy machinery or don’t drive. ===
Labels ain’t law.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:12 am
- Are you allowed to drive while on those drugs? -
Yes, but if an officer determines you are intoxicated you can be prosecuted for DUI.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:20 am
Marijuana Detection Times:
Frequent users blood drug test (defined as someone who smokes several times per week)
THC: 4-8 hours after smoking.
THC by-product: 2 or more weeks after smoking.
Frequent users urine drug test
THC by-product: 2 weeks to a month after smoking (3 months for extremely heavy users)
Infrequent users urine drug test
THC by-product: up to 10 days after smoking.
“but officer, I haven’t smoked in a week.”
Comment by What is to be done? Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:21 am
Esquire
But making it illegal did not stop him from getting it. I think it is time we take a serious look at the entire “war on drugs”. Has it worked, or has it reproduced the behaviors present in the 1920’s with alcohol prohibition ?
There has been a lot of debate about gun control due to several highly visible mass shooting incidents and the violence in Chicago streets. While there is no evidence that I am aware of that links the drug war to the mass murders, there is considerable overwhelming data that gang warfare is directly related to drug sales and profits. Making drugs illegal has not worked and only created an avenue for organized criminal organizations to run rampant, just as they did in the Capone era of the 1920’s. If we take a look at the failure of the drug war, and the resources we are wasting fighting it, we just might find a way out of the fiscal crises that are paralizing government bodies across the country. Money currently being spent on policing individual choice could be used to rebuild the state’s & nation’s crumbling infrastructure. The government could set up a system of legal distribution of substances currently classified as controlled, allowing for taxation revenue and treatment referrals.
It has become apparent that attempting to police personal choice doesn’t work. Making marajuana and other drugs illegal even increases their appeal for rebellious people. I am a former supporter of the efforts to criminialize marajuana & other drugs. The examples of prohibition and the wars in the streets shows that there is a large market for these substances and history shows that prohibition laws don’t work, they just create new and bigger problems, as well as large expenditures enforcing them.
There is also strong evidence to suggest that removing the drug profit motive from organized criminals would have a dramatic impact in reducing violence in the Chicago streets. Many gun laws currently under discussion may not be necessary if we rethink our view on personal choice behavior.
Just to make it clear, I am not an NRA member or supporter. I do not own a gun and support most of the stronger restrictions that have been proposed regarding assult weapons, large magazines and background checks.
“Honor Society transform himself into a near imbecile incapable of making clear headed decisions as a result of graduating from marijuana to a variety of stronger drugs, I suspect that I am still a “NO” vote on legalization. In this person’s life, marijuana was acted as a “gateway” drug. Contrary to most stereotypes, there are some people who do not mellow out from smoking pot. A small subset of users actually react differently and can become aggressive and angry. This person’s family went through thousands of dollars in courts, in rehab facilities and treatment programs and driving him to and from adult probation offices for urine tests.”
Why do you think they call it dope?
Comment by AFSCME Steward Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:23 am
- “but officer, I haven’t smoked in a week.” -
As previously mentioned, if the officer believes the person is intoxicated, they can be prosecuted. A little known fact, you can actually get a DUI with a BAC under the legal limit if an officer believes you are impaired.
We have courts to decide such things, as Rich said, the DUI thing is a canard.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:32 am
Good news. I’m glad to see that so many people agree that the war against marijuana is a failure. We have so many better uses for money than to spend it incarcerating people for marijuana. Plus, like some of the commenters mention, it’s a great way to get tax revenue.
==In California, some “prescriptions” could be obtained as easily as buying a newspaper or ordering a hot dog or a taco from a street vendor.==
All over America, people can walk into stores and obtain liquor and tobacco, and in many places, buy firearms without IDs and background checks.
Again, I see marijuana legalization as a rights issue. When alcohol, tobacco and firearms are sold legally, it’s not right that marijuana users are forced to be outside of the law. It’s demeaning for adults to risk incarceration and other harm by obtaining marijuana for personal use.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:46 am
“Having watched a former high school student who was selected for the National Honor Society transform himself into a near imbecile incapable of making clear headed decisions as a result of graduating from [BEER] to a variety of stronger drugs, I suspect that I am still a “NO” vote on legalization. In this person’s life, [BEER] was acted as a “gateway” drug. Contrary to most stereotypes, there are some people who do not mellow out from [DRINKING BEER]. A small subset of users actually react differently and can become aggressive and angry. This person’s family went through thousands of dollars in courts, in rehab facilities and treatment programs and driving him to and from adult probation offices for urine tests. ”
Ok, so we need to bring back prohibition, because we all happen to know of some guy who was an alkie, who then took a turn to completely ruining his life?
Where is the distinction bt mj and alcohol, if that’s the reason to ban mj?
Comment by Chris Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:49 am
Driving sobriety is, pardon the pun, an insufficient roadblock to legalization. More funding for Drug Recognition Experts and improving the Standardized Field Sobriety Test are all ways to keep roads safe in a legal cannabis market. Plus, if someone is hell bent on roads being safe encourage them to push for breathalizers in every car like there are now seat belts in every car.
More worthy objections that I have encountered while working to end cannabis prohibition in Illinois is what to do with the economies that currently depend on 1. A steady prison population 2. an illegal market to support the community.
There is a booming prison industry in this country that has a vested interest in keeping cells full and an easy way to do that is through the War on Drugs and cannabis is at the foundation of that war. Often these prisons are located in rural America where other jobs are hard to come by and by closing a prison your taking the livelihood away for that community. Now that cannabis prohibition is waning we can address more problematic substance use, hopefully through the lens of a public health approach and not a tough love lock ‘em up to sober ‘em up ideology (for those who like this approach, the irony is that drugs are still available in prison.) Additional inmates are manufactured by those who “drop” dirty on their drug tests while on parole or probation. The prisons in Illinois are a taxpayer subsidized economy that we could shift to treatment centers or trade schools if we needed to once again replace an economy to keep certain communities viable in rural Illinois.
And for the communities where legal opportunities aren’t abundant or accessible the illegal drug trade can seem the only option. What are the millions of felons in the country supposed to do for legal work once they’ve paid their debt to society? Felony disenfranchisement is the 800 lbs gorilla in the room folks. We either provide for these people via social services or we remove barriers for them to gain lawful employment.
For those who are unaware of how cannabis was made illegal, there is a wonderful blog coming out of central Illinois that has an excellent summary of that ugly part of our history, here is the link;
http://www.drugwarrant.com/articles/why-is-marijuana-illegal/
Comment by danlinn Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 10:56 am
I’m fine with legalizing weed. Lets just skip the absurd medical pot BS. It is not a medicine. Regulate and tax weed. Although it is strange that we are trying to outlaw sugar and cigerettees yet are legalizing weed. It’s very similar to alcohol. Just like the DUI arguement is a shame so is the arguement that the jails are full of potheads. It’s just not true. People aren’t in prison for weed unless they had pounds of the stuff or were selling it next to a school.
Comment by Fed up Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:22 am
@STL:
That’s not a very consistent standard.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If I were a cop and pulled you over and you had been smoking marijuana you bet your rear end I would be taking you to jail. I could care less if you smoke marijuana but you better keep your butt out of a car. That’s when it becomes my problem. I don’t buy into this nonsense that Rich is peddling but everybody has a right to an opinion.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:23 am
As a former toker, I’m glad Bob Marley’s “Legalize It” finally is sinking in with the masses. Don’t smoke it now, but who am I to criticize those who do? Save big money in the criminal justice system, raise some needed revenues, avoid destroying promising young lives. Makes too much sense.
Comment by phocion Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:24 am
@Rich:
By the way, weren’t you all gung ho the other day about throwing somebody operating an illegal gambling machine in jail. Your standards are interesting.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:25 am
Demoralized, you’re wrong. If marijuana is truly legalized here, then I would be all in favor of making it a felony to sell marijuana outside the legalized channels.
It’s really not that hard to comprehend. That’s what legalization does. It takes a criminal enterprise (like the numbers racket) and turns it into a legal activity (Illinois Lottery).
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:27 am
Also, Demoralized, are you now going to push for drug tests for all traffic stops just to make sure somebody isn’t taking Oxycontin?
Hmmm?
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:29 am
The folks stirring the pot so to speak about concerns for drugged driving really should pay attention to the states that already have medical laws. Those states have seen a decrease in highway fatalities rather than an increase. The more you know..
http://healthland.time.com/2011/12/02/why-medical-marijuana-laws-reduce-traffic-deaths/
Comment by FactsOverPropaganda Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:30 am
Also of note before the ‘what about the children’ arguments begin in earnest - states with medical laws have also seen a decrease in use among their teens. Funny, who’d have thought regulation vs. a black market controlled by criminals actually has a positive impact across the board on society.
http://coloradoindependent.com/93117/states-with-medical-marijuana-see-a-decrease-in-pot-smoking-by-teens
Comment by FactsOverPropaganda Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:35 am
Rich:
My grandfather was killed by a drunk driver. I have zero tolerance for people driving imparied. I don’t care what is causing the impairment. Smoke all the pot you want but don’t drive a car. And as for your question the answer is no, but if a cop suspects something then by all means test them. Cops are pretty good at determining if somebody isn’t fit to drive.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:36 am
==Those states have seen a decrease in highway fatalities rather than an increase.==
I’m fairly certain that is not a cause and effect relationship.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:38 am
===Cops are pretty good at determining if somebody isn’t fit to drive. ===
I don’t disagree. Which is why coming up with some test before medical marijuana is legalized is not absolutely necessary. That’s my entire point. We don’t test for Oxycontin, an infinitely more dangerous and debilitating drug, why would we test for weed?
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:38 am
I’m with Demoralized, you drive impaired you are a threat to those around you and need to be treated as such. The fact remains, a road side sobriety test of your faculties no matter the substance (even lack of sleep) is sufficient to arrest and prosecute for impaired driving.
Comment by FactsOverPropaganda Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:39 am
Actually, maybe it is. More people might be staying off the roads because they are happy to sit at home and smoke. That would be an interesting campaign - legalize pot and keep our roads safe.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:40 am
@Rich:
Sorry to get on my high horse. I’m just sensitive about the driving subject.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:41 am
===I’m fairly certain that is not a cause and effect relationship. ===
I’ve been looking for the link for weeks and can’t find it, but a university in Florida did a driving study years ago that examined various impairments…
Driving while drunk
Driving while sober
Driving while high on marijuana
Driving while high and drunk.
The results found that people who drove while high were the safest. Why? It’s hypothesized that since weed slows you down and makes you paranoid that people are better drivers.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:45 am
The camera is a wonderful thing. Many in law enforcement were against having dash camerars when the concept was first introduced. Since that time their use has become widespread. When recording a traffic stop with a person who may be under the influence of something, the camera becomes key. Recording the field sobriety test is a powerful piece of evidence. Has gone a long way to show a court just what the person is doing and it can outweigh how defense attorneys seek to portray their clients.
It looks like efforts to relax the laws are gaining steam.
I am unimpressed with poll results regarding whether or not pot has medicinal purposes or it can/can’t lead to hard drugs. The former is more objective than the latter but, really now, we don’t approve a drug for use by the public with a prescription based on public opinion, do we? I thought we did it with research and testing, kinda like what the FDA does.
Empircal evidence of the “gateway” effects of pot is less absolute. You can find research that supports both theories. Take your pick and come out swinging.
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:47 am
If legalized, my concern would be protecting the home growers if municipalities or the state artificially drive up prices.
The problem of impaired & distracted driving may never be eliminated, but it can be reduced through education programs without continuing prohibition.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:54 am
“we don’t approve a drug for use by the public with a prescription based on public opinion, do we? ”
++++
Government funded research of cannabis is prohibited by law.
Just end prohibition.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:56 am
@Demoralized - I think there is a causal relationship here. This has been uniform in those states that have enacted the laws vs. those that have not. The researchers were also careful to eliminate other factors (i.e. changes in highway laws, population changes etc.). Give it a full read though, the suspected factors in drawing a causal correlation are fairly interesting.
Comment by FactsOverPropaganda Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 11:59 am
- I thought we did it with research and testing, kinda like what the FDA does. -
You think that’s why the prohibition of alcohol ended?
I’m guessing public opinion had something to do with it.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 12:01 pm
If President Obama can declare one Attorney General “by far the best-looking” or create kill lists, he should be able to give his colleagues some cover by issuing an Executive Order removing cannabis from Schedule 1.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 12:12 pm
===It’s hypothesized that since weed slows you down and makes you paranoid that people are better drivers.===
“It’s science …”
To the post,
I believe when the first state comes up with the appropriate set of laws, enforcement of those laws, and sentencing for those making the legalized sale and consumption a “back channel and underground RICO case” like bootlegging alcohol or “doctor shopping” prescritions, you will see the FIRST state attempt to make legal the sale of Marijuana…
“Waaa…. I just forgot what I typed ….Now I’m hungry”
The trend is there and the tide is not only rising …
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 12:26 pm
I’m guessing that it all depends on the THC content of the weed one is smoking. I’ve had some weed that I don’t think it had any effect on my driving. I’ve had other weed where I couldn’t even walk safely.
In many towns, especially college towns, after dark, the police pull people over for any tiny infraction - such as having one of two license plate bulbs burnt out. That is just so they can then see if they smell alcohol. The police will also probably do the same for marijuana. If one of your two license plate bulbs is burnt out, you will get pulled over, and since weed is even easier to smell than alcohol, the police will want to test you for THC levels.
Comment by Joe M Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 12:39 pm
@Oswego Willy - “I believe when the first state comes up with the appropriate set of laws, enforcement of those laws, and sentencing for those making the legalized sale and consumption a “back channel and underground RICO case” like bootlegging alcohol or “doctor shopping” prescritions, you will see the FIRST state attempt to make legal the sale of Marijuana…”
First state? Washington and Colorado already have.
Comment by FactsOverPropaganda Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 12:42 pm
The cartels would probably remain organized. They might switch to other black market products or services, or invest in and take over legitimate corporations. But the imminent possibility of all those government jobs in the enforcement industry going unfunded will cause pushback and lobbying by “the good people”. Like those in the arms industry, drug cops will need to prolong the war on drugs, or reinvent it.
Comment by Rudy Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 12:52 pm
- FactsOverPropaganda -
Its one thing to “pass” it, its another to have it …pass, implimented, and be used as a model that other states are going to use to move it from…Colorado and Washington …
Check out this article …
http://www.policymic.com/articles/22459/marijuana-legalization-colorado-and-washington-state-grapple-with-implementing-new-laws
No state has legalized marajuana, as a functioning enterprise, with all the checks-and-balances and … have it rolling, and every questioned answered.
They only have the ABILITY to move to the next step in Washington and Colorado, and are “learning as they are going …”
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:17 pm
Rudy hit it on the nail. Where the Feds are concerned, it is not results or a public need that count: It is all about retaining turf and funding. The motto is ‘Preserve your Indian”. The so-called war will never end, even if 95% of the people want it to end. If you want to be frightened for the future of this country, then consider that every time some totally useless and unimaginably expensive Federal program gets considered for elimination, the first thing you hear from the Washington machine is not a discussion of the merits of the program, but how many “jobs” will be lost.
Comment by Skirmisher Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:22 pm
–Where the Feds are concerned, it is not results or a public need that count: It is all about retaining turf and funding. The motto is ‘Preserve your Indian”. The so-called war will never end, even if 95% of the people want it to end. –
They’re not enforcing the Volstead Act anymore.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:27 pm
Fed Up said:
“I’m fine with legalizing weed. Lets just skip the absurd medical pot BS. It is not a medicine.”
I don’t think people are saying marijuana is medicine. It has been shown to blunt the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments. It’s not a cure.
Comment by Stones Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:28 pm
There should be a standard for impairment, period. That’s why the po-po make you do all those exercises when they pull you over.
Comment by Robo Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:32 pm
@Oswego Willy - many resources from right after the initiatives passed (like the one you cited) did not do a very good job of reading either initiative. Others did their homework (see my citation below). Colorado has until July 1st 2013 to finalize the framework for retail sales and Washington’s Liquor Board has until December 1st 2013 to finalize their framework. Washington is well on it’s way to finalizing well before the deadline.
Also, there are already several clubs in both states where you can make ‘donations’ for the container but not it’s contents. So there already is enterprise (in the form of the clubs and bars) and short of an injunction from DoJ expect at latest next year to have ‘functioning enterprise’ hard at work with retail sales of cannabis. In reality there are already several medical retailers in CO that are poised to begin sales as soon as they can obtain permits and licensing.
http://reason.com/blog/2012/11/07/colorado-and-washington-have-legalized-m
Comment by FactsOverPropaganda Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:33 pm
@Stones and Fed Up - actually some of us are saying it’s medicine. I have glaucoma, and due to the fact that I don’t react to Xalatan cocktails (currently prescribed medicines) and have had several doctors over the past 16 years tell me to use it. There are a large number of conditions that manipulation of the endo-cannibiniod system impacts positively. Granted I could take your propaganda fueled position for fact, but I think I’ll stick to good old fashioned science.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16291891
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1772142/
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/06/marijuana-fights-cancer-and-helps-manage-side-effects-researchers-find.html
https://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2012/07/25/cannabis-cannabinoids-and-cancer-the-evidence-so-far/
But hey, you could just keep repeating to yourself the only folks that want this are potheads.. Besides, the IL bill is the strictest the country has seen with tight controls on what conditions qualify.
Comment by FactsOverPropaganda Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:41 pm
==The results found that people who drove while high were the safest. Why? It’s hypothesized that since weed slows you down and makes you paranoid that people are better drivers. ==
I must get behind those people all the time. I’m a magnet for people driving 15 miles an hour under the speed limit.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:48 pm
On this, Rich, you’ve nailed it on the head. Kudos.
Comment by chubs mahoney Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:49 pm
Rich - Were you were referencing the study done by Alison Smiley of the University of Toronto? She presented her findings at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in Florida.
Comment by SG8prl Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 1:57 pm
–Ok, so we need to bring back prohibition, because we all happen to know of some guy who was an alkie, who then took a turn to completely ruining his life?–
Prohibition made drinking cool. After the horrors of WWI and the Spanish Influenza, the Jazz Agers had a certain fatalism to them and weren’t going to be denied by bluenose laws.
Prohibition also gave us a corrupting national organized crime syndicate, and a corrososive disrespect for the law from a heretofore law-abiding citizenry.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 2:13 pm
===has until July 1st 2013 to finalize the framework…===
===has until July 1st 2013 to finalize the framework…===
===is well on it’s way to finalizing…===
MY post …
===No state has legalized marajuana, as a functioning enterprise, with all the checks-and-balances and … have it rolling, and every questioned answered.
They only have the ABILITY to move to the next step in Washington and Colorado, and are “learning as they are going …”===
Alot of, “finalizing” and “on it’s way” going on, not much COMPLETE model for others to duplicate as a FUNCTIONALIZING model…
Read my posts as they read, not how you WANT them to read to make a point. NO state is complete, and using the terms you used above does NOT mean that work is done, or the complete model to duplicate is at the ready.
I see your passion, but read what I post, and commment on THAT, not what you THINK it says.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 2:18 pm
“The cartels would probably remain organized.”
I am not disputing what you are saying, but the marijuana black market is huge. The criminalization of marijuana is a major funding source for organized crime. I’d rather see the money legally diverted toward productive enterprise such as the private sector, government economic development programs, education, drug abuse treatment programs, paying down deficits, all sorts of things.
At least in Chicago/Cook County, the criminal justice system is very overburdened. Taking marijuana out of the legal system would help relieve it. That’s why Preckwinkle, Emanuel and other leaders support at least some marijuana decriminalization, to unburden the police, courts and jails. Like many people, I’d rather see limited prison space occupied by violent felons than those who committed nonviolent marijuana offenses.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 2:22 pm
It’s the actual driving behavior, not the reason for it, that should be penalized. The cause is irrelevant.
Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 2:23 pm
Appendix is kind of inaccurate. Marijuana is not decriminalized in CO or WA. It’s outright legal.
Comment by cocodem Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 3:11 pm
It’s just a huge huge waste of money and manpower for law enforcement and the courts to arrest and prosecute people for selling and consuming marijuana. Legalize it and tax it like tobacco. Let’s free up the cops and the courts to arrest and prosecute REAL criminals.
Comment by Hunterdon Friday, Apr 5, 13 @ 3:18 pm
Thank You Rich, I’m alive today because a Hospice nurse “recommended” that I get off the pharmaceuticals that were killing me & find some “pot”. They were the funniest words I heard come out of this little elderly ladies mouth. I come from a law enforcement family but spent 3 years disabled after many failed back surgeries lost in an “OXYCONTIN” haze. The horrendous side effects caused me to suffer a series of heart attacks & a TIA (temp stroke), I was unable to keep food or nourishment down, The only time I was out of bed was to the Dr/ hospital and down to 130 pounds. I was never asked if I was driving or recommended that I don’t drive while taking this medication. Living with an implanted morphine pump, I get nauseated frequently and if I didn’t use cannabis, the side effects wouldn’t allow me to safely operate a pedal bike much less a vehicle. Under the influence does not necessarily equate to intoxication or impairment. A majority of patients titrate(adjust) their dosage only to reduce the negative symptoms of their condition or treatment, well below the threshold of impairment. This product gives patients the ability to “function”, when you live your life as sick as many of us have, we just want to feel better, cannabis allows that without any of the nasty side effects.
That said, as proven in 18 other states & DC, there are many different approaches to trying to get patients safe affordable access to that product. Law enforcement should never dictate healthcare, that is who has scared off the votes, coming from a law enforcement family and let me tell you, we have friends and family that get sick TOO and that can and do benefit from this product. We DON’T want to have to support the “black market” for our healthcare products, but if logical-common-sense MedCann legislation doesn’t pass, we will continue. It’s a damn shame that 18 other states have a clue (some more than others)and we don’t here in Illinois. The proposed distribution model leaves much to be desired, so why don’t we just leave that alone. Let’s start out simple, basic patient/Doctor protections. Doctors are already state licensed, their “professional recommendation/certification” that THEIR patient has one or more of the “specific” qualifying conditions that would benefit from the use of this product & the patient is in possession of less than “X” amount, the patient would be free from arrest or prosecution~~period, done. Charge a small fee for the picture ID. THEN the specifics could be worked out by a “task force” ( as provided for in previous legislation, sb1381 & hb30) We have an opportunity here in Illinois to set up a MedCann Program that could be used as a model for the rest of the nation, before they all just go to a tax & regulate as alcohol program (shown to be favored in recent polls)
Comment by mike graham Tuesday, Apr 9, 13 @ 12:12 pm