Statewide campaign to legalize marijuana in Michigan kicking off in Ann Arbor
(This story has been updated with comments from Charmie Gholson, communications director for the marijuana legalization campaign.)
The push to legalize marijuana in Michigan is under way, and cannabis activists are planning to organize Thursday night outside a University of Michigan basketball game in Ann Arbor.
"We do have language written and petitions getting ready," T.J. Rice, a local supporter of the campaign, told AnnArbor.com on Wednesday afternoon.
A grass-roots group operating under the name Repeal Today For A Safer Michigan 2012 is hoping to put the question to voters in November 2012.
The push to legalize cannabis in Michigan is under way.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
It reads as follows:
A Petition to amend the Michigan Constitution Article 1, to add:Article 1 Section 28. Repeal of Marihuana Prohibition.
For persons at least 21 years of age who are not incarcerated, marihuana cultivation, possession, bodily internal possession, sale, acquisition, transfer, delivery, transportation, religious, medical or personal use, or possession or use of paraphernalia shall not be prohibited, abridged, or penalized in any manner; nor subject to civil forfeiture; provided that no person shall be allowed to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by any substance.
More than 322,600 signatures from registered voters in Michigan are needed to put that question on a statewide ballot.
Campaign volunteers are expected to meet at a medical marijuana dispensary on Ann Arbor's west side Thursday afternoon for a training session before they move across town to Crisler Arena, where U-M is taking on Penn State at 7:30 p.m.
Charmie Gholson, communications director for the campaign, said actual collection of signatures won't begin until the campaign officially kicks off in mid-January.
"We're not launching a media campaign until the 12th," said Gholson, co-owner and editor of the Midwest Cultivator and a former staff member for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. "All we're doing is organizing volunteers. We're getting volunteers to sign up and say that they'd be willing to help the campaign."
The group also is recruiting volunteers through a website. The group plans to collect the signatures from January through early July.
According to Rice, Detroit-based criminal defense attorney Matthew Abel, who specializes in marijuana cases, is assisting the group from a legal standpoint.
Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum said getting a constitutional amendment on the ballot in Michigan is "much more doable" than, for example, trying to recall a governor.
The signature requirement is 2.5 times higher for a governor recall, a hurdle that proved too big of a challenge for those working to recall Gov. Rick Snyder earlier this year.
"I would expect if they have enough people together on this, they probably could get it on the ballot," Kestenbaum said of the marijuana legalization initiative.
"To do something like this, you would have to circulate it not just at the farmer's market or something like that, but probably going door to door," he said.
Kestenbaum said he hadn't thought much about whether such a proposal would pass, but he doesn't discount it considering the medical marijuana initiative won voter approval in 2008."I think this is going to be very interesting," he said. "I'm intrigued."
The legalization of medical marijuana in Michigan has been the subject of intense debate over the past few years as dispensaries have sprouted throughout the state. That includes several dispensaries in Ann Arbor, which caused city officials to spend considerable time crafting local medical marijuana ordinances.
But the future of dispensaries remains hazy.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who has issued formal opinions restricting medical marijuana and backed efforts to close dispensaries this year, has said he believes the state's medical marijuana law has been hijacked by people who want to legalize the drug.
But supporters of legalization argue the current prohibition on marijuana has caused more problems than it's solved, including making it easier for minors to obtain the drug.
"We are a coalition of Michigan parents, teachers, attorneys, physicians, health professionals, former law enforcers and many others with a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs," the Safer Michigan site reads. "We believe police should stop enforcing marijuana prohibition and instead refocus their priorities to arrest violent criminals and other real threats to public safety."
Gholson said it wasn't the group's intention to announce the campaign yet, but now that the news is out, she's expecting some opposition, including from Schuette.
"We're going to have some big guns pointed at us," she said.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
malcolm kyle
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:15 a.m.
Thanks to Prohibition we now have far more people locked in cages than would normally be the case. Apart from the fact that these extra prisoners are not contributing economically to society, it also costs 50,000 dollars per annum to incarcerate them. Additionally their families often go on government assistance, and it's again the average tax payer who has to pick up the bill. Their kids may be taken into care or raised by foster parents, again with tax payer money. Now add to all this the court costs, jail costs, and the salaries of all those people that have to deal with the enforcement of prohibition, like police officers, judges and public defenders and you'll start to get a fair idea of why "Black Thursday", October 24, 1929 happened during the period of another of our great experiments - Alcohol Prohibition. * The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. * 743 adults incarcerated per 100,000 population at year-end 2009. * 2,292,133 adults were incarcerated federal and state prisons, and county jails at year-end 2009, that's approx. 1% of US adults. * Additionally, 4,933,667 adults at year-end 2009 were on probation or parole. * In total, 7,225,800 adults were under correctional supervision (probation,parole, or incarcerated) in 2009 — about 3.1% of adults in the U.S. resident population. Prohibition is nothing less than a grotesque dystopian nightmare; if you support it you must be either ignorant, stupid, brainwashed, insane or corrupt.
aareader
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 4:17 a.m.
"Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who has issued formal opinions restricting medical marijuana and backed efforts to close dispensaries this year, has said he believes the state's medical marijuana law has been hijacked by people who want to legalize the drug." It is very sad Mr Schuttee has decided to use his office to issue edicts based on his beliefs instead of facts and precedents of law.
roadsidedinerlover
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 1:10 a.m.
I am sorry but I won't be supporting this proposed new legalization of marijuana. I supported it when it was for medical use only and I did vote yes for it. To Ms. Gholson, do you have family or friends? Would you want a pothead smoking a joint and then getting behind the wheel of a car, motorcycle etc and killing or maiming them? People in Ann Arbor already can't drive after the latest news of people in wheelchairs being hit and you want to add pot to this mix? In my line of work, potheads are stinky and obnoxious...(not the medical needs pot users) The state of Michigan is running TV ads against buzzed driving which I just viewed this evening. So I will do everything in my power to defeat this crazy idea. Just in case anyone wants to label me a neo-con etc...I am a liberal and proud of it.
malcolm kyle
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:18 a.m.
If you genuinely believe that prohibition is an effective policy for dealing with substance use and addiction, then why are you not calling for drugs such as alcohol and tobacco, along with non-drug activities such as gambling or even dangerous sports that also pose a high risk to people's health, to be assessed according to the same criteria? Or are you quite happy for the majority of us to carry on regarding you as a disingenuous hypocrite whose tirade against the users of drugs, other than those you favor, is not based on genuine concern for people's wellbeing but on your own personal prejudices? Alcohol is a factor in the following: * 73% of all felonies * 73% of child beating cases * 41% of rape cases * 80% of wife battering cases * 72% of stabbings * 83% of homicides. Health-related costs per user are eight times higher for those who drink alcohol when compared to those who use marijuana, and are more than 40 times higher for tobacco smokers, according to a 2009 review published in the British Columbia Mental Health and Addictions Journal. It states, "In terms of [health-related] costs per user: tobacco-related health costs are over $800 per user, alcohol-related health costs are much lower at $165 per user, and cannabis-related health costs are the lowest at $20 per user."
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 12:32 a.m.
I always enjoy this kind of an issue, because people crawl out from all over the place with the craziest, most indefensible, most generalized nonsense imaginable on all sides. People can take opposing views and still write sanely and listen to others and be reasonable on many topics, but marijuana legalization ain't one of them. My suggestion is that everyone take the time to write a cogent argument of their position on this issue, copy it, and produce it every one of the thousand times this topic comes up in the next year or so. In other words, how about if we all get our rants in order with supporting links, etc., so it is more than just noxious nonsense.
malcolm kyle
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:20 a.m.
The following text is taken directly from the US government's National Cancer Institute website: <a href="http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4" rel='nofollow'>http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4</a> * ANTI-TUMOR EFFECTS One study in mice and rats suggested that cannabinoids may have a protective effect against the development of certain types of tumors. During this 2-year study, groups of mice and rats were given various doses of THC by gavage. A dose-related decrease in the incidence of hepatic adenoma tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma was observed in the mice. Decreased incidences of benign tumors (polyps and adenomas) in other organs (mammary gland, uterus, pituitary, testis, and pancreas) were also noted in the rats. In another study, delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC, and cannabinol were found to inhibit the growth of Lewis lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, other tumors have been shown to be sensitive to cannabinoid-induced growth inhibition. Cannabinoids may cause antitumor effects by various mechanisms, including induction of cell death, inhibition of cell growth, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Cannabinoids appear to kill tumor cells but do not affect their nontransformed counterparts and may even protect them from cell death. These compounds have been shown to induce apoptosis in glioma cells in culture and induce regression of glioma tumors in mice and rats. Cannabinoids protect normal glial cells of astroglial and oligodendroglial lineages from apoptosis mediated by the CB1 receptor. In an in vivo model using severe combined immunodeficient mice, subcutaneous tumors were generated by inoculating the animals with cells from human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines. Tumor growth was inhibited by 60% in THC-treated mice compared with vehicle-treated control mice. Tumor specimens revealed that THC had antiangiogenic and antiproliferative effects.
Left is Right
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 12:17 a.m.
I greatly favor legalization and taxation over this medical mj thing (which I voted for) that turned into such a sham. As far as the reasoning of many of those commenting here as to why it should be legalized and its harmlessness, I can only hope they stay home when it's time to lobby for voter approval.
malcolm kyle
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:21 a.m.
OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER (PART 1): Federal researchers implanted several types of cancer, including leukemia and lung cancers, in mice, then treated them with cannabinoids (unique, active components found in marijuana). THC and other cannabinoids shrank tumors and increased the mice's lifespans. Munson, AE et al. Antineoplastic Activity of Cannabinoids. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Sept. 1975. p. 597-602. OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER, (PART 2): In a 1994 study the government tried to suppress, federal researchers gave mice and rats massive doses of THC, looking for cancers or other signs of toxicity. The rodents given THC lived longer and had fewer cancers, "in a dose-dependent manner" (i.e. the more THC they got, the fewer tumors). NTP Technical Report On The Toxicology And Carcinogenesis Studies Of 1-Trans- Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, CAS No. 1972-08-3, In F344/N Rats And B6C3F Mice, Gavage Studies. See also, "Medical Marijuana: Unpublished Federal Study Found THC-Treated Rats Lived Longer, Had Less Cancer," AIDS Treatment News no. 263, Jan. 17, 1997. OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER (PART 3): Researchers at the Kaiser-Permanente HMO, funded by NIDA, followed 65,000 patients for nearly a decade, comparing cancer rates among non-smokers, tobacco smokers, and marijuana smokers. Tobacco smokers had massively higher rates of lung cancer and other cancers. Marijuana smokers who didn't also use tobacco had no increase in risk of tobacco-related cancers or of cancer risk overall. In fact their rates of lung and most other cancers were slightly lower than non-smokers, though the difference did not reach statistical significance. Sidney, S. et al. Marijuana Use and Cancer Incidence (California, United States). Cancer Causes and Control. Vol. 8. Sept. 1997, p. 722-728.
E. Manuel Goldstein
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.
The pursuit of happiness means the right to get high.
roadsidedinerlover
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 1:16 a.m.
hmmm....and not go out and hurt someone when you are high. The odds are not in your favor.
dogpaddle
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.
@Bob: You are so on target!!! Exactly what you said, legalization would BE the restrictions we need and it would do away with the ones we don't need. During Prohibition (which we are still paying for - the Mob still exists), kids of any age could go into a speak easy and drink. After all, illegal was illegal. When it finally became legal again, the restrictions needed to keep it out of the hands of kids (or at least to make it difficult to obtain and punishable to all parties involved if they do - just ask Whole Foods which is why you must show an ID now to get a bottle of wine - even if you're a senior citizen) were then in place and still are.
alan haber
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
the most important thing about this article is that it gives ordinary people a chance to volunteer to help end the governments attack on marijuana. <a href="https://help.repealtoday.org" rel='nofollow'>https://help.repealtoday.org</a> sign up to circulate petitions to put the question on the ballot, to let the people decide.
Roadman
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.
The legendary Alan Haber has joined this discussion!
Bob
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
Legalization IS a restriction! When are people going to get it? As it stands right now, anybody, any age can obtain marijuana whenever they want wherever they want, and only a tiny fraction of sellers and buyers get arrested and prosecuted. If you want to get the weed out of the hands of schoolkids...you have to legalize it.
David Cahill
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 6:47 p.m.
AnnArbor.com, are there any recent statewide polls on this issue? Your own poll shows 83% in favor, but I suspect this result is due to the fact that Ann Arbor is the most educated city in the country, and therefore is not subject to law-and-order crazes.
newsboy
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 6:26 p.m.
Letting the Feds enforce drug laws puts the cost of enforcement and incarceration back where it belongs, in Washington!
javajolt1
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.
What a waste of taxpayer resources! Why can't we turn a drain into a gain and simply legalize/de-criminalize pot once and for all? Where is the documented case of weed ever actually killing anyone? Its properties are viewed as medicinal for many. ....say that about liquor that is responsible for the deaths or hundreds of thousands per year.
squidlover
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
Great... American Idol, the Kardashians, Jersey Shore, etc...seems that people think that this country is still too intelligent and focused for success. I know that I can never get enough of dealing with people who clearly have no brain cells that they can afford to lose. Let's accelerate the process of increasing the population who will expect others to take care of them because they believe things are "unfair" and they didn't have the opportunities to succeed.
malcolm kyle
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:23 a.m.
An important aspect of Individual freedom is the right to self-medicate, or to do with yourself as you please, as long as your actions cause no unnecessary suffering or direct harm to others. Some among us may disagree with this, and they should be free to believe what they wish, but the moment they are willing to use force (paid for with our hard-earned taxes) to impose their will on the rest of us, is the exact same moment that the petty criminals/dealers, the Mafia, drug barons, terrorists and corrupt government officials/agencies enter the equation. The problems created by any possible self-harm then rapidly pale into insignificance as society spirals downwards into a dark abyss, while the most shady characters and black-market corporate entities exponentially enrich themselves in a feeding frenzy likened to that of piranhas on bath-tub meth. Prohibition is nothing less than a grotesque dystopian nightmare; if you support it you must be either ignorant, stupid, brainwashed, insane or corrupt.
johnnya2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 7:49 p.m.
So a television show that makes more money than you will ever see in your lifetime and produced SUCCESSFUL people who are not a drain on society is your barometer for having others take care of them. Tell me which of the groups of people you are talking about are a drain on society and expect others to "take care of them". I suppose pot smoking could lead to something horrible, like becoming president of the United States. The last three all have used it. Or maybe it could lead to becoming the leader of the most highly valued company in the world. Steve Jobs smoked pot and took acid as well. I guess becoming a multi-billionaire was him saying things are unfair or expecting others to take care of him. How about this, if you do not want to smoke pit, DON'T. Those that do can. Wow see how easy that is.
Hmm
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.
No it seems that people think adults in a free society should be able to chose if they want to ingest a plant or not. It's as simple as that, I don't know what you're tlaking about the Kardashians and Jersey Shore for that has nothing to do with the discussion at hand
CakeRoll
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5 p.m.
I'm truly glad to see this (mostly) healthy exchange of ideas re. legalization of marijuana. I currently know a number of people who never use it "to get high" but do use it for MS, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep disorders and other physical ailments with fewer side effects (nausea - no, dizziness - no, appetite decrease - no, sleep problems - no). I've known folks over time who have excellent results with psychological problems, using very small amounts of m. to relieve anxiety. De-criminalizing m. would also provide a good source of state revenue and lower illegal drug traffic problems. I'm all for it and expect MI to be able to manage legal m. (whether by medical prescription or by personal choice) after working through expected adjustments.
clownfish
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.
**Replacing marijuana prohibition with a system of legal regulation would save approximately $7.7 billion in government expenditures on prohibition enforcement -- $2.4 billion at the federal level and $5.3 billion at the state and local levels. **Revenue from taxation of marijuana sales would range from $2.4 billion per year if marijuana were taxed like ordinary consumer goods to $6.2 billion if it were taxed like alcohol or tobacco. <a href="http://www.prohibitioncosts.org/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.prohibitioncosts.org/</a> I guess when it comes to adults making free choices, a lot of the A2.com conservatives have no problem spending Other Peoples Money! All we have to do is attach the word "war" to it and they fall all over themselves creating rationals for government spending and intrusion into peoples lives.
tim
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:26 p.m.
Perhaps the law would calm people anxiety about Michigan bad economy--- no longer will they stress about the sinking ship, they simply won't care.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
"To do something like this, you would have to circulate it not just at the farmer's market or something like that, but probably going door to door," he said. ------------- Don't forget the street corners. All customers must sign in order to buy.
Stephen Landes
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:13 p.m.
I believe this as always the objective of marijuana proponents -- "medical marijuana" was merely the easiest way to get public sympathy for eventual efforts for complete legalization. I vote no.
malcolm kyle
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:25 a.m.
Prohibition has helped fill our Prisons and Jails to capacity. Violent criminals, murderers, rapists and child molesters are released early to create space for so called 'drug offenders'. Half of court trial time and also a huge chunk of police officers time is pointlessly wasted. Enormous untaxed profits from illegal drugs fund multi-national criminal empires which bribe law enforcement authorities and spread corruption faster than a raging bush fire. Prohibition takes violent criminals and turns them into multi-billionaires whilst corrupting even entire countries, including our own. Our drug laws are also funding the Taliban and al-Qaeda whose illegal opium profits allow them to buy weapons and pay it's fighters more than $300 a month, compared with the $14 paid to an Afghan policemen. Maybe many of the early Prohibitionists did not really intend to kill hundreds of thousands worldwide, or put 1 in every 30 American adults under supervision of the correctional system. But similar to our "Great Experiment" of the 1920s, the prohibition of various other drugs has once again spawned rampant off-the-scale criminality & corruption, a bust economy, mass unemployment, a mind-boggling incarceration rate, a civil war in Mexico, an un-winnable war in Afghanistan and an even higher rate of drug-use (both legal & illegal) than in all other countries that have far more sensible policies. Prohibition is nothing less than a grotesque dystopian nightmare; if you support it you must be either ignorant, stupid, brainwashed, insane or corrupt.
clownfish
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
You vote "no" based on what criteria? Are you in favor of jailing people for growing a plant? Do you favor tax payer funded cells for adults that exercise free choice? Do you support drug cartels and their violence? Can you cite any evidence that criminalization prevents people from obtaining MJ?
Dog Guy
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
If passed, this amendment would stimulate Michigan small farming, Michigan tourism, and immigration to Michigan.
Albert Howard
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
The last thing the Ann Arbor Public School District needs is children affected by second hand smoke.
roadsidedinerlover
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 1:10 a.m.
Amen brother!!!!!
Enso
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
The legalization of marijuana is about FREEDOM. Marijuana is a harmless substance, especially compared to alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and pharmaceutical drugs. The latter four are MUCH more dangerous. So to say marijuana should remain illegal because it is dangerous is LUDICROUS. Making marijuana legal (again) in this country would increase American's net freedoms. To keep it illegal would keep us less free. Those (on the right, mostly, big surprise...) who would criminalize a harmless act are doing nothing more than limiting the freedoms of Americans. For those who wish to make more/keep America free, sign the ballot.
malcolm kyle
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:30 a.m.
@ Joe Blow, 1) Tobacco is cancer causing largely because it delivers specific carcinogens such as NNK and NNAL that are not present in cannabis. Not all "tar" is created equal, and tobacco has some of the most carcinogenic types of tar known to science, whereas cannabis does not. <a href="http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/91/14/1194" rel='nofollow'>http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/91/14/1194</a> 2) Cannabis (marijuana) use is associated with a DECREASE in several types of cancer... potentially even providing a protective effect against tobacco and alcohol related cancer development. Donald Tashkin, a UCLA researcher whose work is funded by NIDA, did a case-control study comparing 1,200 patients with lung, head and neck cancers to a matched group with no cancer. Even the heaviest marijuana smokers had no increased risk of cancer, and had somewhat lower cancer risk than non-smokers (tobacco smokers had a 20-fold increased lung cancer risk). Tashkin D. Marijuana Use and Lung Cancer: Results of a Case-Control Study. American Thoracic Society International Conference. May 23, 2006. Researchers at the Kaiser-Permanente HMO, funded by NIDA, followed 65,000 patients for nearly a decade, comparing cancer rates among non-smokers, tobacco smokers, and marijuana smokers. Tobacco smokers had massively higher rates of lung cancer and other cancers. Marijuana smokers who didn't also use tobacco had no increase in risk of tobacco-related cancers or of cancer risk overall. In fact their rates of lung and most other cancers were slightly lower than non-smokers, though the difference did not reach statistical significance. Sidney, S. et al. Marijuana Use and Cancer Incidence (California, United States). Cancer Causes and Control. Vol. 8. Sept. 1997, p. 722-728.
roadsidedinerlover
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 1:12 a.m.
Harmless? That statement is so irresponsible!! harmless to whom???
johnnya2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
joe.blow, I have some brownies that do not cause lung cancer in any way shape or form. Of course even if it is smoked, why should it be banned? I am not in favor of allowing people to smoke up in public places, or while operating an airplane, or in any work place. I am against alcohol and tobacco use in those instances too. In fact, many employers allow smokers to feed their addiction with cigarette breaks. I am against that as well.
Enso
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
Sorry, joe.blow That's simply not true. You can say that marijuana is worse than tobacco, but the statement flies in the face of all scientific evidence. Let me repeat, there is NO evidence that marijuana is worse for your lungs than cigarettes. Besides, it's not a valid argument because there are many ways to ingest marijuana. So according to your logic (if we want to continue being a 'nanny state') we should make smoking marijuana illegal, but ingesting it in other ways should be legal.
joe.blow
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.
Harmless? What are you smoking? oh, that's right. Marijuana is much more potent at causing lung cancer than tobacco.
Chase Ingersoll
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:37 p.m.
ADD THIS TO PUBLIC CONSUMPTION OF FACTS AND REASON - someone share with B. Schutte Here is a link to study out of the U of Colorado: <a href="http://www.iza.org/en/webcontent/publications/papers/viewAbstract?dp_id=6112" rel='nofollow'>http://www.iza.org/en/webcontent/publications/papers/viewAbstract?dp_id=6112</a> Medical Marijuana Laws, Traffic Fatalities, and Alcohol Consumption by D. Mark Anderson, Daniel I. Rees (November 2011) Abstract: To date, 16 states have passed medical marijuana laws, yet very little is known about their effects. Using state-level data, we examine the relationship between medical marijuana laws and a variety of outcomes. Legalization of medical marijuana is associated with increased use of marijuana among adults, but not among minors. In addition, legalization is associated with a nearly 9 percent decrease in traffic fatalities, most likely to due to its impact on alcohol consumption. Our estimates provide strong evidence that marijuana and alcohol are substitutes.
Ypsi_Wings_Fan
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
It should be noted this is not a peer reviewed study, however the data looks pretty solid.
Hmm
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
I'm in
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.
The underlying problem has always been that the claims for even medical use are still "fuzzy" at best. This idea of modifying the Michigan Constitution on the word of a few who are outside of accepted sources isn't what "freedom" and "rights" are all about. Scientifically prove the efficacy of marijuana for pain mitigation and then restrict how it's distributed (via prescription only from pharmacies). Think: if cannabis is so effective a pain killer: the Big Pharma companies and their lobbyists would have locked up this market long ago by using the U.S. House and Senate -which they own. This is also about trust: so I doubt the sight of Carpenter Joes with their fluorescent lit marijuana basement nurseries inspires trust in this kind of "small business." If anything, the actual images we see of such "home business people" only show how marijuana interferes with the thinking ability of these proponents. Opening marijuana "dispensaries" is the equivalent of opening liquor stores just for alcoholics.
malcolm kyle
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:34 a.m.
In 1937, the U.S. Treasury Department introduced the Marihuana Tax Act. This Act imposed a levy of one dollar an ounce for medicinal use of Cannabis and one hundred dollars an ounce for recreational use. Physicians in the United States were the principal opponents of the Act. The American Medical Association (AMA) opposed the Act because physicians were required to pay a special tax for prescribing Cannabis, use special order forms to procure it, and keep special records concerning its professional use. In addition, the AMA believed that objective evidence that Cannabis was addictive was lacking and that passage of the Act would impede further research into its medicinal worth. In 1942, Cannabis was removed from the U.S. Pharmacopoeia because of persistent concerns about its potential to cause harm.'' <a href="http://www" rel='nofollow'>http://www</a>.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page3 Here's a study concerning Mortality Within the First 2 Years in Infants Exposed to Cocaine, Opiate, or Cannabinoid During Gestation – pediatrics.aappublications.org A total of 2,964 infants were drug-tested at birth to see if they were positive for drugs – cocaine, opiates and cannabis were studied and compared to drug free infants. During the first two years of their lives, 44 babies from the original group died. The death rates were :?"No drugs at birth" deaths……. 15.7 deaths per 1000 live births?"Cocaine positive" deaths…….17.7 deaths per 1000 live births?"Opiate positive" deaths……….18.4 deaths per 1000 live births?"Cannabis positive" deaths……. 8.9 deaths per 1000 live births The "cannabis positive" infants rate of death is almost half of what the "No drugs" infants death rate is! When it comes to failure to thrive, cannabis shows a significant improvement in the outcome. <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/100/1/79.full" rel='nofollow'>http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/100/1/79.full</a>
malcolm kyle
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:32 a.m.
OOPS, MARIJUANA DOES HAVE GREAT MEDICAL VALUE: In response to passage of California's medical marijuana law, the White House had the Institute of Medicine (IOM) review the data on marijuana's medical benefits and risks. The IOM concluded, "Nausea, appetite loss, pain and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting, and all can be mitigated by marijuana." The report also added, "we acknowledge that there is no clear alternative for people suffering from chronic conditions that might be relieved by smoking marijuana, such as pain or AIDS wasting." The government's refusal to acknowledge this finding caused co-author John A. Benson to tell the New York Times that the government "loves to ignore our report … they would rather it never happened." Joy, JE, Watson, SJ, and Benson, JA. Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. National Academy Press. 1999. p. 159. See also, Harris, G. FDA Dismisses Medical Benefit From Marijuana. New York Times. Apr. 21, 2006 ''Cannabis use for medicinal purposes dates back at least 3,000 years. It was introduced into Western medicine in the 1840s by W.B. O'Shaughnessy, a surgeon who learned of its medicinal properties while working in India for the British East Indies Company. Its use was promoted for reported analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anticonvulsant effects.
Left is Right
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 12:02 a.m.
I need it for my chronic elbow pain while playing disc golf.
Ypsi_Wings_Fan
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.
I would argue that pot having, as you claim, no medical uses is a complete non-issue. Butter has no medical uses, or bacon they are both legal. Oh ya, and alcohol.
Robert Granville
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:58 p.m.
It's medical efficacy has already been proven.... looks like you have some difficult scientific reading to do.
malcolm kyle
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 8:48 a.m.
Prohibition has helped fill our Prisons and Jails to capacity. Violent criminals, murderers, rapists and child molesters are released early to create space for so called 'drug offenders'. Half of court trial time and also a huge chunk of police officers time is pointlessly wasted. Enormous untaxed profits from illegal drugs fund multi-national criminal empires which bribe law enforcement authorities and spread corruption faster than a raging bush fire. Prohibition takes violent criminals and turns them into multi-billionaires whilst corrupting even entire countries, including our own. Our drug laws are also funding the Taliban and al-Qaeda whose illegal opium profits allow them to buy weapons and pay it's fighters more than $300 a month, compared with the $14 paid to an Afghan policemen. Maybe many of the early Prohibitionists did not really intend to kill hundreds of thousands worldwide, or put 1 in every 30 American adults under supervision of the correctional system. But similar to our "Great Experiment" of the 1920s, the prohibition of various other drugs has once again spawned rampant off-the-scale criminality & corruption, a bust economy, mass unemployment, a mind-boggling incarceration rate, a civil war in Mexico, an un-winnable war in Afghanistan and an even higher rate of drug-use (both legal & illegal) than in all other countries that have far more sensible policies. Prohibition is nothing less than a grotesque dystopian nightmare; if you support it you must be either ignorant, stupid, brainwashed, insane or corrupt.
TheIonian
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 6:17 a.m.
It is unfortunate that History is no longer a topic of interest in our PUBLICLY FUNDED and Union Controlled Educational System, which leads Michiganders to make decisions based upon a lack of Historical and Constitutional knowledge. The controlled dangerous substance enactments are malum prohibita statutes that are used to control personal choices in defiance to the fundamental law of the American Republic. Our rights are endowed by God, not by a State Legislature fawning for federal funding. The real solution to this issue is not to enact a Constitutional Amendment, but to simply repeal the Legislature's statutory enactments that have been imposed to administratively usurp our substantive rights to Life, Liberty and Property under the color of law.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 10:45 p.m.
Gosh. When did history get banned from the evil union-run public schools of this nations? I must have missed it. Please, name the public high school in Michigan that no longer teaches U.S. government and history.
clownfish
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.
ahh, it is the unions fault! I knew it! It is the unions that have taught the conservative "tough on crime" crowd to support current Laws! Amazing.
TheIonian
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 6:16 a.m.
Federal Law does not trump the State Law. What has occurred is the State Legislature has incorporated Federal regulatory oversight by enacting what is know as the State Plan. IN this instant case Public Act 338 of 1978 is the controlling STATE LAW that imposes statutory restriction regarding the usage of Hemp in Michigan. The Convention on Psychotropic Substances was enacted just two years after the Federal Supreme Court ruled the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was an unconstitutional enactment. This international convention was adopted as Treaty Law here in the United States in 1971. In June of 1971, Richard M. Nixon declared a "War on Drugs". The State legislature here in Michigan incorporated this statist propaganda whilst it enacted commingling legislation to secure federal funding for the State "War on Drugs". Marijuana is Mexican slang for Hemp. Hemp is an agricultural commodity that has industrial application as a naturally grown fiber. One cannot patent a natural fiber, which is one of the many reasons that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted for Dow Chemical was introducing patented synthetics in the 1930's which could not compete in a free market with Hemp fiber production. Hemp production in the 1930's was nearly a billion dollar agricultural market prior to being statutorily shut down by this illicit Federal Legislation known as the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. After Pearl Harbor the Federal Government had to encourage hemp production for the Fiber was needed commodity. At the cessation of hostilities the Progressive once again enforced the statutory provision of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, till it was declared unconstitutional in the case dicta of Leary v. United States, 395 U.S. 6 (1969) on the grounds of compelling testimony against one's self. (Reference the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States for the United States of America.)
Dog Guy
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:54 a.m.
I support legalizing all those drugs which have provided billions of dollars to criminals and have caused the murders of tens of thousands of bystanders in this and other countries. As drug buyers accept no more responsibility for the murders they fund than tax-raising self-interest voters take for foreclosures, legalization is the lesser evil.
treetowncartel
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:53 a.m.
Legalize it, regulate it and tax the beejeezus out of it.
Left is Right
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 11:59 p.m.
And still drug-test for it at work.
Jon
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:04 a.m.
I am in agreement with this comment. One of the main reasons marijuana is illegal is because of its potential to cause problems(i.e. criminal activity). Any time folks make a drug deal or are under the influence of a substance there is the potential for violence to occur and yes it does happen with marijuana. Also, people who drive "high" are just as dangerous as people that drive under the influence of a alcoholic beverage, your judgement is impaired.I will never support any illegal drug being legalized and will continue to support and help enforce the law.
johnnya2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
"One of the main reasons marijuana is illegal is because of its potential to cause problems"- So should having a job be illegal? I mean making money leads to people stealing money. Alcohol leads to problems as well. Should it be illegal? Ridiculous logic fail on your part. "Any time folks make a drug deal or are under the influence of a substance there is the potential for violence to occur and yes it does happen with marijuana." Thanks for proving why it should NOT be illegal. How many cigarette buys do you see turn violent? Alcohol "buys"? If it were legal, drug deals are controlled. Kind of like when a person goes to CVS and picks up their Viagra prescription (which by the way has killed people unlike marijuana <a href="http://www.thebody.com/content/art32246.html)" rel='nofollow'>http://www.thebody.com/content/art32246.html)</a> "people who drive "high" are just as dangerous as people that drive under the influence of a alcoholic beverage"- so people who do something illegal (pot) are LESS likely to do another illegal thing (drive high). Of course the scientific data says your hypothesis is wrong <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/news/marijuana/ci_19437417" rel='nofollow'>http://www.denverpost.com/news/marijuana/ci_19437417</a> "your judgement is impaired.I will never support any illegal drug being legalized" So I suppose you were strongly against Sudafed becoming readily available (it was prescription only at one time). Based on this logic you are ok with morphine, but against pot? Nice logic fail there
Hmm
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
I take it you work in law enforcement..check this out lots of good people in your profession seem to think otherwise <a href="http://www.leap.cc/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.leap.cc/</a> LEAP is Law Enforcement Against Prohibition by the way
Enso
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
@ Jon Your argument amounts to 'it's illegal because it's illegal, so it should be illegal.' Doesn't make much sense.
treetowncartel
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:54 a.m.
Youshould probably stop going to applebees then.
conservative
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:58 a.m.
And if we're lucky we will soon be able to walk down the street and window shop for the prostitute we want! And you hippies thought drunk drivers were a problem... Seriously, move on! Legalizing pot is assinine and completely detrimental for our society as we know it. America used to be the greatest country on the planet but if we're not careful we will soon be the laughing stock.
Sparty
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
We already are: see republican House of Representatives takes country to edge of default and loses AAA debt rating. The world thought we'd lost our minds and worried over global economic impact of this stupidity.
braggslaw
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:33 a.m.
So much energy wasted over something so trivial
Sparty
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
@braggslaw, trivial because you don't support it? Is that how this works? I noticed that's how support of Domestic Partner legislation worked .... it wasn't trivial for those children and adults who lost health care benefits because of discriminatory, hate-filled, state imposed morals but was a trivial issue for others who said if you didn't like don't let the door hit you on your way out of the State. Nor was it trivial for those who supported the Muslim School in Pittsfield Twp, basically they were told they "weren't wanted here". Now, those who don't support Marijuana legalization are getting the message turned on them .... so sad. It's not trivial. You don't agree, oh well: "you're not wanted". Don't let the door hit you as you leave the State.
clownfish
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.
Think of all of The Other Peoples Money that will be saved by not incarcerating people for growing plants!
Enso
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
I'm not sure how freedom is trivial.
shadow wilson
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:56 a.m.
I agree.I slogged thru a handful of the responses above and read the same garbage I read on other marijuana related articles about how it is medicinal.....riiiight! You all want to get high.Finally some honesty but please stop with the crap about medicine and be honest ya just want to get high legally. Groovy. I hope that those few honest suffering people that do use pot therapeutically are not jeopardized.
simone66
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 2:37 a.m.
I support this campaign 110%. I wish them the best of luck. If I weren't bogged down with a full-time job and Graduate school at night, I would volunteer in some way. To the naysayers who are too high and mighty and righteous for marijuana and thinking that it's so bad for society - go ahead and keep drinking your beer and wine and getting wasted, and some even going as far as drinking and driving. Keep smoking your cancer sticks and causing health problems for yourself and the dangers of second hand smoke to others. And some of you even dabble in illicit drugs more harmful and dangerous than pot. Educate yourselves about marijuana before you demonize it. There are WORSE things to be more concerned about in society than pot in the hands of responsible adults.
conservative
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4 a.m.
"responsible adults"?!?! That's the exact same line the alcohol companies use so they aren't responsible when IRresponsible adults missuse their product!
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:49 a.m.
Legalizing marijuana in Michigan for people 21 and older: Imagine, for a second, taxing and selling marijuana like we currently do cigarettes in Michigan? Imagine the windfall of tax revenue that would be available for Michigan to use in the research and development of renewable energies? Now, imagine these R & D facilities in starting in Detroit? The University of Michigan, Michigan State? See, we could solve so many of our issues right here at home buy producing and selling legally grown and harvested marijuana right here in Michigan! We may actually want to get going because Colorado and California will and they'll be the first to benefit.
johnnya2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
I would make the age 18 myself. The whole 21 year old drinking age is silly anyway. Once you can sign a legally binding contract you are responsible for your actions. If I can take on debt, go to war, get married, have children, or go to prison, I think I have the right to have a beer or joint.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:34 a.m.
I am strongly in favor of this amendment although probably for weird reasons. If the State of Michigan legalizes marijuana for recreational use, it will have an interesting effect on the "state's rights" contingent of the Republican Party since they typically are very against recreational drug use. They press state's rights on the abortion issue but will they keep up that position if giving states more rights means letting a bunch of hippies smoke pot? This could make C-Span way more interesting.
treetowncartel
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 6 a.m.
Life, libertyand the pursuit of happiness, with somebody else trying to define hapiness and those threee terms for you.
Thaddeus
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 11:54 p.m.
I cannot support the wording of such a proposed petition. However, I could support the legalization of marijuana if it is obtained by prescription through a licensed normal pharmacy and is NOT smoked. That is, if the "beneficial" part of marijuana is regulated, metered and sold in pill, inhaler, or other controlled-dosage form. Having dealt with tenants, business people and others who do weed rather than pay their bills, I can say unequivically that smoking marijuana is FAR from harmless! As it has been said, doing drugs is extremely costly. Far more than the cost of the drugs themselves, using drugs destroys the lives and livelihoods of almost anyone even remotely connected to a druggy (user of marijuana, heroine, crack, other - doesn't really matter). While marijuana's current prohibition status is likely due some updates and alternations, this proposed petition goes way too far for me to seriously consider voting for it.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
What I wouldn't give not ever again in my life to hear the ridiculous "nanny state" expression again! Please! Call it tyranny or socialism or communism or cradle to grave or whatever, but most of the people I hear using it are people who believe that the nanny is someone who looks after your every need throughout your life or something. Most of us never had a nanny or hired one. That's a one-percenter term to me.
johnnya2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:09 a.m.
"Having dealt with tenants, business people and others who do weed rather than pay their bills, I can say unequivically that smoking marijuana is FAR from harmless! " Have you dealt with alcoholics, gamblers, cigarette smokers, caffeine drinkers who do not pay their bills? There are cigarette smokers who have lost their jobs rather than quit smoking. You also are dealing with these people not being able to pay their bills BECAUSE marijuana is illegal. The illegality leads to higher prices, and makes people unable to grow their own. The vehicle of ingestion is really none of your business. It would not change anything about smoking in places where smoking is banned. If you as a landlord said smoking was against your lease, then it does not matter if it is pot or cigarettes.
Angry Moderate
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 12:01 a.m.
Some people watch television instead of paying their bills, are you going to ban that too? You can make your own choices, but the rest of us don't want the nanny state telling us what to do based on your personal opinions (especially the absurd and unsupported ones about marijuana destroying lives like heroin-- what a joke.)
Michigan Man
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.
I thought the smartest people in the USA lived in Ann Arbor? The Ann Arbor legalize marijuana crowd must have secured a waiver from this survey at the time the survey was administered. Given this news, I am now not so sure the smartest people in the USA really do live in Ann Arbor.
simone66
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 2:41 a.m.
You're correct, the smartest people do live in Ann Arbor, hence the commencement of this campaign. Wish us luck!
Sparty
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.
Ah MM, "you're not wanted here" if you don't agree with the vast majority who support the legalization of marijuana. Love it or leave it as you always say. RofL.
Angry Moderate
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.
Actually, marijuana use is strongly correlated with above-average IQ.
towny
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:55 p.m.
Have spent a ton of taxpayers money and time going after it legally, such as production, coming into this country, court systems dealing with users and distributors. Alcohol is far more dangerous to this society. Government makes a lot of money from this far more harmful substance. Legalize it and make some money from things like taxes on it. Government can also regulate and control. Government is definitely losing the battle and spending a ton of money doing it. Statistics show use is up among younger generation. The money could be spent on a lot better things. Turn this negative cash flow into a positive cash flow. The people that use this drug are going to get it whether it is illegal or legal.
outdoor6709
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
" But supporters of legalization argue the current prohibition on marijuana has caused more problems than it's solved, including making it easier for minors to obtain the drug." What problems does marijuna being illegal cause? How will making it legal make it harder for minors to obtain? Maybe Mr Stanton will do a follow up and answer the questions he left hanging.
northside
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:45 a.m.
To Angry Moderate's excellent post I'll add that marijuana prohibition creates a class of criminals who have done no harm. Hundreds of thousands have been stuck with a criminal record for doing nothing that's wrong in a moral sense.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.
When I was in high school in Ann Arbor, it was easier to buy marijuana than it was to buy alcohol or cigarettes. All you had to do to buy marijuana was to go see the dealer who conveniently lived walking distance from the school. Buying alcohol or cigarettes involved fake ids and a big hassle.
Angry Moderate
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
Prohibition pushes the trade into a black market run by street dealers, gangs, and cartels rather than safe businesses like the supermarkets that distribute alcohol and tobacco (which are known beyond any doubt to be far more harmful than marijuana.) These dealers don't care to check ID and keep minors out like legitimate stores. Legalization also allows the government to implement reasonable regulations and quality control. Alcohol at Kroger's is never impure or cut or sprayed with something that's not supposed to be in it. There are no guarantees with street drugs-- they can be tampered with and there's nothing consumers can do about it. Legalization also brings this billion dollar market into the tax base, creates cost savings in law enforcement, the judiciary, and the prison system, removes barriers to employment for past and present marijuana users, and creates job opportunities for growers and local businesses like the head shops, garden supply stores, etc., that have popped up all over the state since the medical law passed.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.
Ann Arbor? No way!
northside
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:46 a.m.
Half of the entire country favors legalization: <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/150149/Record-High-Americans-Favor-Legalizing-Marijuana.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://www.gallup.com/poll/150149/Record-High-Americans-Favor-Legalizing-Marijuana.aspx</a>
Roadman
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.
Matthew Abel is a Green Party activist who ran for Wayne County Prosecutor on the Green Party ticket in 2008. Huron Valley Greens support pot legalization and the HQ of the Green Party of Michigan is in Ann Arbor. It is important to note locally that County Prosecutor Brian Mackie's office is prosecuting a drug forfeiture case after LAWNET seized $111,000.00 from a licensed marijuana dispensary that was co-owned by Chuck Ream. No criminal charges filed against anyone in that case. Law enforcement draws revenue from pot distribution and the current framework of laws. Longtime Hash Bash emcee Adam Brook received a 2-year prison sentence from Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rudy Nichols after a marijuana raid by the State Police resulted in a firearms charge. He was incarcerated a few months ago by the Michigan Department of Corrections to begin his sentence. Legalization of marijuana would curtail harassment by police of persons such as Chuck Ream and Adam Brook who are eloquent proponents of legalization and are targets for this advocacy. Voting Brian Mackie out of office in 2012 would also send a strong message to law enforcement on how the public feels about law enforcement fixation with marijuana.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:07 p.m.
I think it is a great idea and long overdue. I also think the results will show how out of touch with reality this place is. It should be a hoot to watch all the gnashing of teeth when it is all over.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.
I never said it did. I said "this place" and "this board". Your erroneous assumption was that I was referring to AA, even though I was very specific and careful not to. So...the odd thing is that now you seem to be taking the other side. Very odd.
northside
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
@ Eye - Gallup is a major polling organization that uses scientific methods and obtains reasonably accurate data. Polls on this website are completely unscientific and only represent those who take them. So the results do not show that 82% of Ann Arbor residents favor legalization.
clownfish
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:13 p.m.
"reality" is that the war on MJ has cost this country billions and thousands of ruined lives. The fantasy is that keeping criminalization will do anything to stop MJ usage, keep drug cartels from reaping benefits and killing people across the land.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
Well, actually, the study you provided shows just how wrong you are. If you look at that study, it shows 50% are in favor of legalization. If you look at the poll above, it shows 82% on this board are. So, as I said...this place is out of touch with reality.
northside
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 12:41 p.m.
Surveys show that Ann Arbor is not "out of touch with reality" as you wrote. Legalization has become a very mainstream view and has support across the political spectrum, from libertarian conservatives to lefties. Will this pass in Michigan if it gets enough signatures? I don't know and if I had to bet my next paycheck on it I'd say no. 50% saying legalize in a survey doesn't mean all those people would vote to do so on a ballot initiative. The campaign against will be well-funded and use the usual scare tactics (see retire1's ridiculous post below for an example).
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:33 a.m.
Then you should be all set......but we both know it won't happen, right?
northside
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.
A recent Gallup survey indicates half the nation favors legalization: <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/150149/Record-High-Americans-Favor-Legalizing-Marijuana.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://www.gallup.com/poll/150149/Record-High-Americans-Favor-Legalizing-Marijuana.aspx</a> This poll is consistent with results from others done in recent years.
RMAN
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
only problem is that the federal law over rules state law , the feds will step in and bust people with pot.
clownfish
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.
Thelonian, Nixon was a "progressive"?
TheIonian
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:37 a.m.
Rman you are patently wrong. Federal Law does not trump the State Law. What has occurred is the State Legislature has incorporated Federal regulatory oversight by enacting what is know as the State Plan. The Convention on Psychotropic Substances was enacted just two years after the Federal Supreme Court ruled the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was an unconstitutional enactment. This international convention was adopted as Treaty Law in 1971. In June of 1971, Richard M. Nixon declared a "War on Drugs". The State legislature here in Michigan incorporated this statist propaganda whilst it enacted commingling legislation to secure federal funding for the State "War on Drugs". Marijuana is Mexican slang for Hemp. Hemp is an agricultural commodity that has industrial application as a naturally grown fiber. One cannot patent a natural fiber, which is one of the many reasons that the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted for Dow Chemical was introducing patented synthetics which could not compete in a free market with Hemp fiber production. RMAN, Learn the history of Constitutional standing and State Sovereignty from where you will discover how the Progressives have successfully used statutory enactments to trump our Liberties, and buy State Legislatures with OUR FEDERAL TAX DOLLARS.
Chase Ingersoll
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:46 a.m.
Feds don't have the resources. Almost all drug interdiction by Feds involves state and local authorities. Whomever is writing the law might want to consider codifying a prohibition of Michigan Law Enforcement resources being used to assist any Federal Action that would contravene the intent of the Michigan Statute. Lots of interesting Constitutional issues.
johnnya2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:03 a.m.
By the way, this would prohibit people from being charged under a state law. The feds would need to come in and spend resources on it.
johnnya2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3 a.m.
This is one of the funniest things about the right wing. I see nothing int he constitution about drug enforcement being a federal function. Which party started the DEA? Hint: the guy resigned in disgrace as president. I guess I will take a strong strict constructionist attitude on this and say, read the 10th amendment.
Sparty
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
The current President will be the next President, not to worry!
nowayjose
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:19 a.m.
The problem there is the term "current president" the next president my not be so passive.
actionjackson
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 12:14 a.m.
Our current president has spoken of this and said that he will not interfere with state's choice in this matter.
Roadman
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:35 p.m.
Like some of the issues that arose in California. If the President instructs the Executive Branch not to enforce the U.S. Code , then there is nothing that can be done by the feds.
Kafkaland
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.
I think it's a little overbroad, but definitely goes in the right direction. I wouldn't ind some sensible regulation, like taxing it, or requiring that it is sold through pharmacies. On the other hand, giving the current lunatics in Lansing the power to write these regulations doesn't seem prudent, either.
Roadman
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 9:58 p.m.
This is great news! I believe the issue should go to a statewide referendum and those results being respected by the government. I believe that law enforcement fixation on marijuana is inimical to our society and allows for an injudicious use of our police resources. I do share certain restrictions such as prohibition on use by minors and regulating the distribution of sales and purchase of the drug to avoid criminal elements and violence that can attend such transactions, however the drug itself should not be contraband. I know ailing persons who have attested that marijuana is helpful in pain management with Marinol not being equivalent in alleviating pain. Get it on the ballot now!
bluecollar
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:02 p.m.
You rocK!!!
Sparty
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.
This is the consequence of the AG overreaching on an issue already settled by citizen ballot. Now it will be settled by constitutional amendment, in a stinging slap at the Attorney General for his radical approach and attempt to impose his morals on the tax paying citizens of this once great State.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:28 a.m.
I wish I could share your optimism. I don't think this has a prayer of passing.
grye
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 9:53 p.m.
Just what society needs is the legalization of a substance that its only use is to get high. If this is what society wants, why stop with marijuana. What would be the problem with legalizing all controlled substances? It would give us the opportunity to create a wasted non-productive populace.
dogpaddle
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.
Actually, for many drug addicts (of the "harder" stuff), cigarettes were their gateway drug and many will say so. So, with this logic perhaps it's time to make the national economy even worse by making cigarettes which serve no useful purpose illegal. Not only are they bad for you (no judgement to my smoking friends, just a fact we all know), but for a small subset of people, they are a gateway drug. Illegal - NOW! Then North Carolina can be 50th when they lose the tobacco companies. See how absurd this whole argument is? We all know why pot is illegal and it has nothing to do with harm or immorality. It's just business as usual (speaking of immorality).
Jon
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
There are specific officer with the police community that agree marijuana should be legalized, that does not mean a whole agency believes it should be legalized. I am aware of no agencies that have told there officers to stop enforcing that law. I just talked to a agent from DEA the other day, there still good with it being enforced in case you were wondering. You wanna tell me i dont know what manning up is...yes i do..people wanna talk all big and bad but then when there facing a felony they wanna cry for there mommy or beg for a deal. Regardless of what you think, the law supersedes personal beliefs. And I study law enforcement on a regular basis as well as work on the streets. I get my info first hand and not from some liberal website. Thats right, i work on the streets not in some comfy office.
M.
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
Marijuana is seen as a gateway drug because it is usually the first substance that people will come across since it is so common. There is much more access to marijuana than other drugs, so it is easier for kids to obtain. Just because it's usually the first drug experimented with, does not mean it magically leads people to try other drugs that have drastically different effects and health consequences. The theory IS thoroughly debunked in textbooks for drug counseling courses.
clownfish
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.
JON, MJ is a "gateway drug", right now it is a gateway to criminals that peddle the drug, and with it harder drugs. Legalizing it will remove that "gateway". If one is allowed to grown ones own then there is no reason to mix with the Dealers of Coke and other hard drugs. The criminalization of MJ is what has led to higher usage of harder drugs, not MJ itself. The use of MJ in no way automatically leads to other substances, no more than tobacco leads to Oxycontinin.
Jimmy McNulty
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
Just like alcohol, right? I know of no other uses for beer or vodka other than to get "high" just like marijuana. However, marijuana HAS medicinal values. BTW, I do not smoke marijuana but would gladly sign the petition to legalize it.
Enso
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
@ Jon "Marijuana is a gateway drug" The idea that marijuana is a gateway drug has been THOROUGHLY debunked again and again by the scientific community. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that most of the people you've 'interviewed,' whatever that means, were exposed to alcohol before they were exposed to marijuana. By this logic alcohol is a gateway drug and should be made illegal. " But to outright legalize it would be the wrong move coming from a law enforcement stand point." Not according to law enforcement. There are several law enforcement organizations working to end the prohibition on marijuana. "just be able to man up..." I'd suggest part of your 'manning up' would be to stop spreading disinformation. If you are unaware of the falsity of your statements I'd recommend you research the issue a bit more thoroughly.
Ariel
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:39 p.m.
legalize marijuana? why don't we just legalize other harmful substances that can kill people if you get behind a wheel like alcohol. oh wait.
Jon
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 7:20 a.m.
Allow me to shed some light on what some of you folks dont know. Marijuana is a gateway drug, it opens the door for people to possibly start using harder narcotics like cocaine, heroin,meth. Anyone I've interviewed before didn't just start off using heroin off the bat. They started using marijuana. And there are some people who do feel addicted to marijuana and feel they must use it everyday. Now thats not to say that this a total black and white issue and that everyone who smokes weed will be a useless piece of crap. But to outright legalize it would be the wrong move coming from a law enforcement stand point. It is not the same as caffeine or aspirin because those are substances that a legal and may be consumed at free will pretty much. And for those of you who say its my life its none of your business well you are WRONG. Federal Law says its the governments business. State of Michigan law says it is. If you wanna smoke it fine, just be able to man up and face the consequences.
johnnya2
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 2:57 a.m.
So what is the purpose of aspirin, caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine? They all CHANGE the chemical makeup in your body to make you feel different. One major difference; there has never in the recorded history of man been an overdose from marijuana use. Also it has zero physical addictive qualities. There are those that become psychologically addicted (sex addicts, food addicts, gambling addicts fall under this category). As for legalizing all controlled substances, I have no problem with that either. People make choices in life., If I can use cocaine and do well, why is it your business?
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 1:27 a.m.
FWIW, I know some people who seriously abuse marijuana. Like they pretty much are high from the time they get home from work until bedtime *every* day and all day on weekends. They may not be as productive as they could be but they have full time jobs and aren't any kind of burden on society. They are very much like some high functioning alcoholics I know. So even among those who would abuse it, most will still remain functional. Also consider that most people will not abuse marijuana just like most people don't abuse alcohol. I hope that eases your mind about that one point of a wasted non-productive populace.
just a voice
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
grye, is there no grey for you, only black and white. If so, by your logic we need to make alcohol illegal again right?
actionjackson
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.
Research the Netherlands and you will see very positive results. Won't change a thing for those who don't believe in the useful properties of cannabis. Herbal remedies vs. pharmaceutical are in many cases the best care for a given physical problem.
Angry Moderate
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 : 10:56 p.m.
Fortunately, most voters are capable of understanding nuances-- like that not all controlled substances have the same effects or health consequences.