[thekingofNY]

Kinda makes since for MA to get in on one of the first thirteen and all, given the history round' here.

This poll makes me very, very happy, however why the f**k did they only poll 400 people? I guess if it was literally state wide, it's sort of enough, by why couldn't they have done 1000? Does anyone know what the direct effect on growing would be? Wouldn't the states growing laws become unconstitutional, or at least to the point of having up to an oz of pot growing?? Perpetually I want to say I could do that, maybe, but id prob have more than half that dried on hand at any given time headstash... either way its a step in the right direction I guess.

The old people they polled make me very happy, as those were some of the ones I worry about, I now firmly believe those 20% are soccer moms....

about 4:20 on the boston common last saturday, nice cloud eh?


https://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7688

Boston, MA: Nearly three out of four Massachusetts voters support a statewide ballot initiative that seeks to decriminalize the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis by persons age 18 or older, according to a Channel 7 News/Suffolk University poll of 400 registered voters.

Seventy-one percent of respondents said that they would vote "yes" on the November ballot measure, which would replace criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana with a civil fine of no more than $100. Only 22 percent of respondents opposed the proposal.

Among respondents over 65 years of age, 70 percent said they backed decriminalization.

The strong poll numbers indicate that the measure "is all but certain" to pass in November, the poll's authors declared in a press release.

If voters approve the measure this fall, Massachusetts would be the first state to enact the decriminalization of marijuana since Nevada's legislature did so in 2001 and the first to do so by voter initiative.

Currently, twelve states have enacted versions of marijuana decriminalization -replacing criminal sanctions with fine-only penalties for minor pot violators.

Michigan voters will also decide on a separate statewide initiative this November that seeks to legalize the medical use of cannabis for qualified patients. If enacted, Michigan will become the thirteenth state since 1996 to authorize the legal use of medical cannabis, and the ninth state to do so by voter initiative.

For more information, please contact NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre at (202) 483-5500, or visit the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy.

[hererisssh]

Cultivation of MJ and possession are entirely different things in the eyes of LEO and the public at large it seems. This bill is a great step forward, but it's just that. Lawmakers tired of their kids being busted?

[thekingofNY]

Originally Posted by hererisssh

Cultivation of MJ and possession are entirely different things in the eyes of LEO and the public at large it seems. This bill is a great step forward, but it's just that. Lawmakers tired of their kids being busted?

I have heard long before this bill was introduced, MJ in general is viewed by LE in this state very differently than others I have lived in.... as we have this wonderful heroin and opiate problem. People get shot nearly every day, good times. No not really good times, but it works out well for us pot smokers as the cops realize pot does not equal heroin at all...

Regardless, back to my original question, so your growing 1 or 2 clones perpetually (1 in flower, 1 in veg), you never have more than an oz or so of good bud? Maybe 2, I'd wage a bet ur average MA resident would see no problem w/that and neither would a cop. Sure they might take it, but I highly doubt it since it removes the black market, people are strangely logical and reasonable here compared to other places I have lived. Maybe its got something to do with them letting the gheys procreate and marry?? (Disclaimer: king has no problem with the gheys at all, they amuse him and he accepted it when he moved here, however he still catches himself staring sometimes.... but only for the lesbians)

In kings opinion, a giant part of the gay rights movement was states rights and civil rights, this would be a perfect place for them to challenge our federal government on this, (the legality of MJ in general or rather it being a states right issue as it gay marriage, the federal government hasnt interferred with that?)... we have a bunch of great laws schools n lawyers, doctors, and professionals willing to stand out and support it...

Anyways, after this law passes, what if ur only growing one plant and its just a baby, say 2 weeks old, there is no way in hell they could weigh that at over an oz, well I mean they could try, but via a jury of your peers, or the judge would likely just throw that case out I would think...

I didnt think they could have a civil and criminal law overlap each other like this.... for example, ur 10 gram plant dries and cures, u get rid of the dirt and it becomes non criminal????

Or maybe this is just really the FIRST step.... baby steps eh? to get the public to think about this long and hard and realize 1oz is no different than a few plants int he closet, as long as u are not selling, legalize that in a few years?

[hererisssh]

Originally Posted by thekingofNY

Maybe 2, I'd wage a bet ur average MA resident would see no problem w/that and neither would a cop.

I really want to believe that's true.

Originally Posted by thekingofNY

maybe this is just really the FIRST step.... baby steps eh? to get the public to think about this long and hard and realize 1oz is no different than a few plants int he closet, as long as u are not selling, legalize that in a few years

That's what I'm saying. So much of the money has come from people outside of mass that I think the gay marriage issues solidified mass as one of the states of choice to really get the ball rolling.

[bentom187]

i hope this shit is true not just some tease,how do we vote for this? would this be simillar to laws inj CA? like we would need medical cards or somthin
im a little confused

[spindlywicket]

Originally Posted by bentom187

i hope this shit is true not just some tease,how do we vote for this? would this be simillar to laws inj CA? like we would need medical cards or somthin
im a little confused

It's decriminalization, medical laws are a bit different. If this passes and you were walking down the street with a 1/8th bag and for some reason a cop searches you and finds it, you would just get a small fine instead of criminal charges. At least that's how I understand it.

[hererisssh]

Originally Posted by bentom187

i hope this shit is true not just some tease,how do we vote for this? would this be simillar to laws inj CA? like we would need medical cards or somthin
im a little confused

spindlywicket nailed it on the head. Lets not be flippant though (I'm sure you didn't mean it this way spindly) and say "It's just decriminalization." I'm sure you meant "It's decriminalization", which of course is a huge deal by itself.

This law allows a civil fined to be levied against a person found in the possession of an ounce or less of MJ of no more than $100. I'd call this a huge breakthrough for citizens of Mass and visitors. Compared to what could happen if you were caught by an asshole LEO in a bad mood or one that didn't like the "looks" of you it's monumental.

If you live in Mass you better be telling everyone you can to vote for this ballot question. This is a chance to be an activist without the perceived dangers of normal activism against MJ prohibition. Opportunities like this are rare. If you're reading this VOTE yes on question 2 on November 4th, 2008. The last day to register to vote is 10/04/2008.

Don't vote? Don't complain when you or your friends or family members get busted for nothing.

BTW: I'd like to thank thekingofNY for starting this thread and for the nice pic of the commons

[bentom187]

ok im gonna vote,is this during the presidential ecections?well ill always have about a Oz on me no point in getting 100 dollar fine for a dime haha

[spindlywicket]

Originally Posted by hererisssh

spindlywicket nailed it on the head. Lets not be flippant though (I'm sure you didn't mean it this way spindly) and say "It's just decriminalization." I'm sure you meant "It's decriminalization", which of course is a huge deal by itself.

Of course. I didnt mean to make it sound unimportant. Post edited accordingly.

[Deft]

I'm not convinced that its a sure thing, but it could happen and I will be voting. it would be nice to see an add on tv or radio about it but nada.