Ease pot restrictions, lawmakers urge

[SublimeStylez]

(July 30) - The U.S. should stop arresting responsible marijuana users, Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday, announcing a proposal to end federal penalties for Americans carrying fewer than 100 grams, almost a quarter-pound, of the substance.
Current laws targeting marijuana users place undue burdens on law enforcement resources, punish ill Americans whose doctors have prescribed the substance and unfairly affect African-Americans, said Frank, flanked by legislators and representatives from advocacy groups.
"The vast amount of human activity ought to be none of the government's business," Frank said on Capitol Hill. "I don't think it is the government's business to tell you how to spend your leisure time."
The Massachusetts Democrat and his supporters emphasized that only the use -- and not the abuse -- of marijuana would be decriminalized if the resolution resulted in legislation.
The Drug Enforcement Administration says people charged with simple possession are rarely incarcerated. The agency and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy have long opposed marijuana legalization, for medical purposes or otherwise.
Marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, according to the drug control office.
"Smoked marijuana has not withstood the rigors of science -- it is not medicine and it is not safe," the DEA states on its Web site. "Legalization of marijuana, no matter how it begins, will come at the expense of our children and public safety. It will create dependency and treatment issues, and open the door to use of other drugs, impaired health, delinquent behavior, and drugged drivers."

Allen St. Pierre, spokesman for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, likened Frank's proposal -- co-sponsored by Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas -- to current laws dealing with alcohol consumption. Alcohol use is permitted, and the government focuses its law enforcement efforts on those who abuse alcohol or drive under its influence, he said.
"We do not arrest and jail responsible alcohol drinkers," he said.
St. Pierre said there are tens of millions of marijuana smokers in the United States, including himself, and hundreds of thousands are arrested each year for medical or personal use.
There have been 20 million marijuana-related arrests since 1965, he said, and 11 million since 1990, and "every 38 seconds, a marijuana smoker is arrested."
Rob Kampia, director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said marijuana arrests outnumber arrests for "all violent crimes combined," meaning police are spending inordinate amounts of time chasing nonviolent criminals.
"Ending arrests is the key to marijuana policy reform," he said.
Reps. William Lacy Clay, D-Missouri, and Barbara Lee, D-California, said that in addition to targeting nonviolent offenders, U.S. marijuana laws unfairly target African-Americans.
Clay said he did not condone drug use but opposes using tax dollars to pursue what he feels is an arcane holdover from "a phony war on drugs that is filling up our prisons, especially with people of color."
Too many drug enforcement resources are being dedicated to incarcerating nonviolent drugs users, and not enough is being done to stop the trafficking of narcotics into the United States, he said.
Being arrested is not the American marijuana smoker's only concern, said Bill Piper of the Drug Policy Alliance Network. Those found guilty of marijuana use can lose their jobs, financial aid for college, their food stamp and welfare benefits, or their low-cost housing.
The U.S. stance on marijuana, Piper said, "is one of the most destructive criminal justice policies in America today."
Calling the U.S. policy "inhumane" and "immoral," Lee said she has many constituents who are harassed or arrested for using or cultivating marijuana for medical purposes. California allows medical marijuana use, but the federal government does not, she explained.
House Resolution 5843, titled the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008, would express support for "a very small number of individuals" suffering from chronic pain or illness to smoke marijuana with impunity.
According to NORML, marijuana can be used to treat a range of illnesses, including glaucoma, asthma, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS and seizures.
Frank, who is chairman of the Financial Services Committee, said that about a dozen states have approved some degree of medical marijuana use and that the federal government should stop devoting resources to arresting people who are complying with their states' laws.
In a shot at Republicans, Frank said it was strange that those who support limited government want to criminalize marijuana.
Asked whether the resolution's passage would change his personal behavior, Frank quipped, "I do obey every law I vote for" but quickly said he did not use marijuana, nor does he encourage it.
"I smoke cigars. I don't think other people should do that. If young people ask me, I would advise them not to do it," he said.
If HR 5843 were passed, the House would support marijuana smokers possessing up to 100 grams -- about 3½ ounces -- of cannabis without being arrested. It would also give its blessing to the "nonprofit transfer" of up to an ounce of marijuana.
The resolution would not address laws forbidding growing, importing or exporting marijuana, or selling it for profit. The resolution also would not speak to state laws regarding marijuana use.
© 2008 Cable News Network. Turner

------------------------------------------

Ease Pot Restrictions, Lawmakers Urge - AOL News

I'd like to add, they have two polls on aol asking whether or not pot should be decriminalized. Aol is predominately used by conservatives i've noticed from previous polls I've looked at, yet an astonishing 70%+ believe marijuana should be decriminalized.

[Purp]

Thats wassup.

[Smaerd]

I voted there as well. Everyone Id reccomend going to the link and voting. This sounds awesome <crosses fingers>

[Bongy_Digital]

Originally Posted by SublimeStylez

"Legalization of marijuana, no matter how it begins, will come at the expense of our children and public safety. It will create dependency and treatment issues, and open the door to use of other drugs, impaired health, delinquent behavior, and drugged drivers."

right since thats EXACTLY what happens in Amsterdam. Fucking tired of hearing that children bullshit line. I think the childhood obesity factor has ALOT more negative society impact potential than pot. And if they would use even a quarter of the law resources that are geared towards simply arresting users and put it towards establishing control and what not of using it responsibily shit would be just fine. Ugh shits just disgusting really, a really ugly fucking painting of lies they paint again and again and again. Oh yeah and of course "and open the door to use of other drugs" FUCKING TIRED LINE!!!!

[Peace Easy]

over a 100,000 votes yes and 30k no
That looks good but we all know it is still years away
Our gov in the us is still to fucked to realize that they could actually profit from the decrim or legalization and regulation of bud
It amazes me that in our current economic state the regulation of pot would instantly (seriously instant) save our situation.
I doubt that it would take more than 24 hours to bring us out of half our deficit

Ahh if only, if only

Marlboro greens anyone? non filtered seeded and stemmed for our pleasure

Again I think we are many many years away

[Krunk]

good CNN article on the same thing:

Legislators aim to snuff out penalties for pot use - CNN.com

[GratefulDead]

OMG that was on CNN this morning. I was crashed on the couch and was too lazy to get up to turn off the tv. I woke up just as that was on, and started head banging right away. Then I packed a bowl

[Krunk]

jerry would be proud

[Smaerd]

jerry is proud

[badgoalie85]

Originally Posted by Peace Easy

It amazes me that in our current economic state the regulation of pot would instantly (seriously instant) save our situation.

careful here. i like your attitude about it, legalizing pot would certainly ease some problems but would definitely not "save" our situation completely (at least not instantly). it takes time to implement new policies and even more time for their effects to become noticeable.

[GirlsHateMe]

hemp would infact change the world, and infact save it...

hundred grand if you can prove jack herer wrong, hes always had the offer up....

if any of you ask who that is...i hope your not involved in this convo...

[badgoalie85]

changes don't happen instantly in an economy, that's all i'm sayin.

[OldMan&TheWeed]

Check out the remarks at the bottom of this page. They are from an internal law enforcement message board.

Are small pot busts taking cops away from "important" work? What do <i>you</i> think?

[OldMan&TheWeed]

Page 1
Posted by pwaryck on Friday, August 01, 2008 07:13 PM Pacific Report Abuse
For this to even be considered, someone must have been pinching the stash. We have enough problems with drug offeneders without helping their cause. I think it will be fuel for every drug case you appear on "well my client was only over the limit by a little" where will it end?
Posted by countyskycop on Friday, August 01, 2008 01:23 PM Pacific Report Abuse

I think everyone agrees that "small" dope cases often turn into much more. A large percentage of crime begins with "small" dope cases. If we legalize some, they will want more later. Don't give in. Stick to your guns and tell them that it is not acceptable in society. Prohibition of alcohol didn't work because law enforcement wasn't given the manpower or tools to do their job. Our society, civilian and military, needs to get out of the mindset that if something becomes a struggle, you just give in. I don't always arrest for personal use amounts, but I make sure these folks work with our detectives and task force guys. If they don't work for us,then they get the piddly misdemeanor charge. It is not a waste of time to use this against people. I think punishment should be worse than it is, but I don't write the rules.
Posted by oafdawg@aol.com on Thursday, July 31, 2008 06:14 PM Pacific Report Abuse

If the Feds want to "leagalize" pot, then they should regulate it like they do alcohol. License pot producers, regulate the manufacture and distribution, and place a heavy tax on it. Sell it ready to smoke like cigaretts or loose like pipe tobacco. It would probably still be cheaper than buying it on the streets. This would eliminate the illegal and highly competitive street dealers thus making our cities safer. All profits and taxes would go to law enforcement to clean up the mess this would create and to combat the other illegal drugs. Barney Franks needs to step away from the pipe and stick to smoking the other pole!
Posted by db1534 on Thursday, July 31, 2008 09:04 AM Pacific Report Abuse

I would contend that if the legislatures who legalized alcohol could see the problems it has caused today, they would not have up and legalized it as they did.Legalization of marijuana would compound the problems we are already fighting daily. Wilsond4 is right. When will it stop. It wont. This a small step to a larger agenda by the losers of our society. What would they say if we requested that ALL drug overdoses be treated as a suicide and all dealers and involved parties are immune from any type of liability. They want us to use our resources when their precious little users overdose because the dealers are the bad guys. Franks needs to get back to his congressional interns and stop trying to appease his loser constituents.
Posted by atom on Thursday, July 31, 2008 08:36 AM Pacific Report Abuse

The old addage of "take care of the little stuff and a lot of the big stuff takes care of itself" applies to this debate. Many pot arrests lead to much larger coke or meth busts. It also sends the message to those who break the law that they will be pursued relentlessly until they either quit committing crimes or leave your jurisdiction.
Posted by wilsond4 on Thursday, July 31, 2008 07:28 AM Pacific Report Abuse

So, does this mean someone smoking their 'personal' stash can be out driving too? Where does this end? Is one oxycontin o.k.? Is one Vicodin without a perscription going to be legal too? Small marijuana busts always lead to something bigger. How else would we get to the growers and buyers? So, is growing for other's 'personal use' going to be legal too? Come on legislators, stop smoking and stop making it tougher and tougher for law enforcement to do their jobs.
Posted by mac25 on Thursday, July 31, 2008 07:14 AM Pacific Report Abuse

It is already hard enough to get a conviction when they wont emit it is their property but now they will say it is for personal use and I am not selling. When you compare the drugs (marijuana/alcohol) they both have their down falls but seem to be the lesser evil of all the drugs out there. With that said, the battle on drugs including marijuana has gone on too long to turn around and try to make it legal. I would say most, at least 75, of the people that use marijuana are dirt bags and are involved in other crimes or some how connected to those that commit the crimes. The marijuana arrests are and can be used to assist us (police) in catching those criminals. If it is legalized it will be thrown in our faces day in and day out by these criminals.
Posted by dbpdmatt on Thursday, July 31, 2008 07:04 AM Pacific Report Abuse

I hadn't thought of that. I am changing my stance - I'm anti legalization whole heartedly. Given how many times the scum are able to weasel out of charges thanks to their high priced drug money paid lawyers, we need to savor what victories we can get in the war on crime. Sadly, we seem to be losing these days, so we we have to take what we can get.
Posted by MP5811 on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 09:53 PM Pacific Report Abuse

I still get exicited getting MJ, however much. It's me getting over on the dirt-bag. As far as wasting time, it's a part of the job... paperwork. Some of us are better at getting paperwork done than others. Get to know EXACTLY what your prosecutor likes to see and concentrate on that. This should cut down on the time it takes you to get paper done.

I agree with chr1s11 and Baltoblue, small pot busts often lead up to bigger and better things. And remember, Marijuana can impair driving skills just like alcohol. DO NOT LEGALIZE MARIJUANA.

There are those of us who relish in winning the little battles and don't mind doing paper work. Finding a small amount of Marijuana can be an excellent bargaing chip for gathering information. Might I 'cite/ release' for a small amount of Marijuana or toss a bit to the 'wind test?' Yeah, but somtimes cutting a break to a dirt bag can also pay-off in the end or later.
Posted by DBPDMatt on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 09:46 PM Pacific Report Abuse

Personally, I have no opinion. When the government tells me its illegal, I arrest for it. When they tell me its legal, I won't. My only stitch is that the law - or any legislation - not permit those currently incarcerated for marijuana crimes to get out. It should not be the release horn for the prisons.
Posted by Baltoblue on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 08:38 PM Pacific Report Abuse

With all of the other unecessary things that we as police officers are now forced to "waste our time on", such as animal complaints, civil matters, "assaults" between 7 year olds, etc., I think these people are focusing on the wrong issues. I'd rather lock people up for Marijuana all day long then taking 6 reports a day because people can't resolve small problems on their own. The fact is that Marijuana is great PC for searching vehicles (on smell), and also leads to larger cases. I for one, have never locked up a nuerosurgeon for pot, and most that I lock up for pot are involved in larger crimes.
Posted by rlindsey on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 06:33 PM Pacific Report Abuse

In 14 years of active road service as a cop, I have never responded to a call involving anyone who had smoked a joint and was ready to fight with their wife or anyone else for that matter. Yes, I think to much time is spent on arrests involving small amounts of pot. Alcohol, on the other hand, has cost our country Billions of dollars and a tremendous loss of life. While I don't think pot should be legal, I think we need to re-think this issue.
Posted by chr1s11 on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 06:33 PM Pacific Report Abuse

How many of those "small" pot busts have been turned over for info leading to a much larger bust for a much worse controlled substance. The pot heads tend to give up the crack dealer to save the misdemeanor record. Besides, it's still an illegal substance that causes serious dificulty for someone to be a productive individual.

Pot heads are the loosers that turn into coke/crack/meth heads. Then comes the violent crime they have to commit to support the habbit.
Posted by spd853 on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 05:27 PM Pacific Report Abuse

I think we waste time on plenty of crimes. It is our job. Those cops who think it is a waste of time just "wind test" it anyway (if they do anything at all).
Posted by Raymundo on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 04:34 PM Pacific Report Abuse

I think we all know that pot heads just want to be able to do what they want. Marijuana kills brain cells and they don't come back, hello we need those. Marijuana should stay illegal and I hope congress continues to see that it should be illegal.

[OldMan&TheWeed]

I boldfaced the more interesting parts.