Candidates say states can legalize pot. But only Bernie Sanders's plan really allows - Cannabis Law and Politics - International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums

Tudo · 10-30-2015, 07:37 AM

On Wednesday, Bernie Sanders took a truly historic position: He became the first major presidential candidate to support removing marijuana from the US drug schedules and ending prohibition at the federal level.
But more than making history, Sanders took the only position on marijuana that's actually consistent with states' rights. In fact, it's the only position consistent with what much of the presidential field, including Democrats, has said but not followed up on: that marijuana policy should be left to the states.
Related The federal drug scheduling system, explained
Sanders's plan would not legalize marijuana nationwide. It would simply exempt pot from the federal scheduling system, much in the same way alcohol and tobacco are exempted. This means states could still choose to prohibit marijuana or legalize it — but they would no longer face the threat of federal interference if they did legalize.
Most of the presidential candidates say this is what they want: Although candidates like Hillary Clinton, Martin O'Malley, and Jeb Bush personally oppose or are unsure about marijuana legalization, they have said they wouldn't interfere with states' decision to legalize if elected president. This stance seems to embrace a continuation of the Obama administration's approach, in which states that legalize are largely left alone as long as pot doesn't fall into kids' or criminal organizations' hands.
But even the Obama administration's approach leaves major federal restrictions on pot. Marijuana's schedule 1 status makes it difficult for researchers to study the drug. It makes it harder for pot businesses to use banking services, forcing many to lie on applications to banks or run as cash-only operations. It means pot shops can't file for tax deductions available to other businesses, sometimes pushing their effective tax rates to as high as 90 percent. And since marijuana is still considered a dangerous and highly prohibited schedule 1 drug, the Drug Enforcement Administration can still technically raid marijuana shops at its whim (and it does).
Sanders's plan would address all of these issues: By taking marijuana out of the federal drug schedules, the proposal would let state-legal pot shops and growers truly operate without the constant fear of the federal government cracking down on them.
Other candidates support easing restrictions. Martin O'Malley and Rand Paul said they would like to reclassify marijuana from schedule 1 to schedule 2. But this would still maintain heavy restrictions on marijuana, particularly on business tax deductions. (Remember: Cocaine and meth are still schedule 2.)
Sanders's plan, then, would do the most to let states legalize marijuana. He's the only candidate really putting his policies where his words are when it comes to legalization.
Marijuana is illegal under federal law even in states that legalize it

MORE:
https://www.vox.com/2015/10/29/9638050/bernie-sanders-marijuana-legalization-schedule

Marijuana is illegal under federal law even in states that legalize it

oldchuck · 10-30-2015, 02:43 PM

Well, well, that makes three Bernie threads. Go Bernie.

I believe he has introduced, or soon will introduce, a bill in the Senate that would do exactly what he said. Let the mugwumps with all their ambition fall on one side of the fence or the other.

aridbud · 10-30-2015, 03:04 PM

Yes, I believe the Bern. He doesn't waiver in his stance like the majority do.

Read an article a few days ago where Rep (R) Corie Gardner was in "favor" of marijuana and the taxes provided for Colorado. While running for office and sadly getting the right wing votes for incumbent Mark Udall, Gardener had a difference stance.

From Huffington Post:
Marijuana: Do you support efforts to decriminalize and/or legalize marijuana?
Udall: Yes
Gardner: No (Opposed bill stopping funding of DEA medical marijuana raids in states where the substance is legal. Did support bill allowing banks to handle marijuana related transactions without penalties in states that have legalized the drug for medical or recreational purposes.)

Bernie tells it like it is....not what people "want to hear" (like Trump). His rationale of most hot button issues do help the masses not the PACS or few.

Sanders is the most logical candidate, by far.

rootfingers · 10-30-2015, 08:26 PM

Gotta agree, this guy is the real deal and has 30 years of votes to back up actual policy agenda. It seems a lot of the other candidates have shaky policy ideas or a voting history that defies their platforms.

Savate · 11-01-2015, 03:42 PM

Descheduling is a great start.

paper thorn · 11-01-2015, 05:13 PM

If only he wasn't such a commie lib.

I mean, I like Bernie, always have, maybe partly because he isn't shifty about his Marxism, he fully embraces it. Doesn't try to act like he's not, and all that, but mostly I like him because he's a nice guy. I've heard him speak many times.

That said, doubtful I'd ever vote for him. Unless I can just make myself be a single issue voter next election.

Glad he's saying DESCHEDULE instead of RESCHEDULE.

aridbud · 11-01-2015, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paper thorn

If only he wasn't such a commie lib.

I mean, I like Bernie, always have, maybe partly because he isn't shifty about his Marxism, he fully embraces it. Doesn't try to act like he's not, and all that, but mostly I like him because he's a nice guy. I've heard him speak many times.

That said, doubtful I'd ever vote for him. Unless I can just make myself be a single issue voter next election.

Glad he's saying DESCHEDULE instead of RESCHEDULE.

Marxism? You have to put "a label" on his economic and social ideas?

Much prefer his stance vs. political PACS, pay-to-play games of most politicians.

Have grown tired/weary and wary of gargantuan corporations (Big Pharma, insurance industry, car industry, manufacturing, and the worst....IRS!) skimping the average American....huge CEO bonuses, manipulated stock prices.

aridbud · 11-01-2015, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savate

Descheduling is a great start.

Indeed, a great start....then go after banks and do not bail them out.

kakaman · 11-02-2015, 02:22 AM

I thought Hillary said she had not made up her mind?? Is there any proof she said he would leave legal states alone?

armedoldhippy · 11-02-2015, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kakaman

I thought Hillary said she had not made up her mind?? Is there any proof she said he would leave legal states alone?

nope. i think she would gut Bill like a deer on live TV to get back into the Oval Hole...

10-30-2015, 07:37 AM	#1
Tudo Troublemaker Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 3,744	Candidates say states can legalize pot. But only Bernie Sanders's plan really allows On Wednesday, Bernie Sanders took a truly historic position: He became the first major presidential candidate to support removing marijuana from the US drug schedules and ending prohibition at the federal level. But more than making history, Sanders took the only position on marijuana that's actually consistent with states' rights. In fact, it's the only position consistent with what much of the presidential field, including Democrats, has said but not followed up on: that marijuana policy should be left to the states. Related The federal drug scheduling system, explained Sanders's plan would not legalize marijuana nationwide. It would simply exempt pot from the federal scheduling system, much in the same way alcohol and tobacco are exempted. This means states could still choose to prohibit marijuana or legalize it — but they would no longer face the threat of federal interference if they did legalize. Most of the presidential candidates say this is what they want: Although candidates like Hillary Clinton, Martin O'Malley, and Jeb Bush personally oppose or are unsure about marijuana legalization, they have said they wouldn't interfere with states' decision to legalize if elected president. This stance seems to embrace a continuation of the Obama administration's approach, in which states that legalize are largely left alone as long as pot doesn't fall into kids' or criminal organizations' hands. But even the Obama administration's approach leaves major federal restrictions on pot. Marijuana's schedule 1 status makes it difficult for researchers to study the drug. It makes it harder for pot businesses to use banking services, forcing many to lie on applications to banks or run as cash-only operations. It means pot shops can't file for tax deductions available to other businesses, sometimes pushing their effective tax rates to as high as 90 percent. And since marijuana is still considered a dangerous and highly prohibited schedule 1 drug, the Drug Enforcement Administration can still technically raid marijuana shops at its whim (and it does). Sanders's plan would address all of these issues: By taking marijuana out of the federal drug schedules, the proposal would let state-legal pot shops and growers truly operate without the constant fear of the federal government cracking down on them. Other candidates support easing restrictions. Martin O'Malley and Rand Paul said they would like to reclassify marijuana from schedule 1 to schedule 2. But this would still maintain heavy restrictions on marijuana, particularly on business tax deductions. (Remember: Cocaine and meth are still schedule 2.) Sanders's plan, then, would do the most to let states legalize marijuana. He's the only candidate really putting his policies where his words are when it comes to legalization. Marijuana is illegal under federal law even in states that legalize it MORE: https://www.vox.com/2015/10/29/9638050/bernie-sanders-marijuana-legalization-schedule Marijuana is illegal under federal law even in states that legalize it __________________ The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good things is my religion. Thomas Paine ( Godfather of the American Revolution)
	Quote 8 members found this post helpful.

10-30-2015, 02:43 PM	#2
oldchuck Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,111	Well, well, that makes three Bernie threads. Go Bernie. I believe he has introduced, or soon will introduce, a bill in the Senate that would do exactly what he said. Let the mugwumps with all their ambition fall on one side of the fence or the other.
	Quote 1 members found this post helpful.

10-30-2015, 03:04 PM	#3
aridbud automeister Join Date: May 2013 Location: the best place on earth Posts: 5,589	Yes, I believe the Bern. He doesn't waiver in his stance like the majority do. Read an article a few days ago where Rep (R) Corie Gardner was in "favor" of marijuana and the taxes provided for Colorado. While running for office and sadly getting the right wing votes for incumbent Mark Udall, Gardener had a difference stance. From Huffington Post: Marijuana: Do you support efforts to decriminalize and/or legalize marijuana? Udall: Yes Gardner: No (Opposed bill stopping funding of DEA medical marijuana raids in states where the substance is legal. Did support bill allowing banks to handle marijuana related transactions without penalties in states that have legalized the drug for medical or recreational purposes.) Bernie tells it like it is....not what people "want to hear" (like Trump). His rationale of most hot button issues do help the masses not the PACS or few. Sanders is the most logical candidate, by far. __________________ Seeds have the power to preserve species, to enhance cultural as well as genetic diversity, to counter economic monopoly and to check the advance of conformity on all its many fronts. Michael Pollan Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower. John Harrigan Instant gratification takes too long. Carrie Fisher - RIP. *afterthought autos* We are passionate breeders of unique quality cannabis autoflower hybrid seeds at down to earth prices; now 11 years running! https://www.icmag.com/ic/forumdisplay.php?f=65770
	Quote 3 members found this post helpful.

10-30-2015, 08:26 PM	#4
rootfingers buried beneath the soil Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: another's fantasy Posts: 669	Gotta agree, this guy is the real deal and has 30 years of votes to back up actual policy agenda. It seems a lot of the other candidates have shaky policy ideas or a voting history that defies their platforms.
	Quote 1 members found this post helpful.

11-01-2015, 03:42 PM	#5
Savate Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4	Descheduling is a great start.
	Quote 1 members found this post helpful.

11-02-2015, 02:22 AM	#9
kakaman Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 216	I thought Hillary said she had not made up her mind?? Is there any proof she said he would leave legal states alone?
	Quote