Paul/Frank co-sponsoring legalization bill

[Wiggs Dannyboy]

Wow, very articulate and thoughtful responses to the questions. I fist pumped a few times after some of his points. A politician that has taken the time to educate themselves on marijuana and the consequences of the drug war is refreshing.

Edit: Just did some googling, being Canadian I didn't realize that Ron Paul is a Republican. A Republican that favours senseible drug policy?? WHAT?!

He runs on the republican party ticket, but his philosophy is really libertarian. The libertarian party is even farther to the right of republicans...they only believe govt should be involved in citizen's lives in the most minimal way possible, like military defense in case we are attacked, etc.

Libertarians believe that ALL drugs should be legal, prostitution as well. I agree with some of their platform, but only some of it.

He's definitely a likeable fellow, though, would be a fine grandpa.

 

[Ganja D]

Barney Frank and Ron Paul will Introduce Legislation on Thursday to Fully Legalize Ma

Barney Frank and Ron Paul will Introduce Legislation on Thursday to Fully Legalize Ma

Just saw this on the news. Then found this and many other articles about it.
http://reason.com/blog/2011/06/22/barney-frank-and-ron-paul-will

 

[ZoSo]

I love this guy. I don't agree with every one of his philosophies but the big picture of small government with power to the states is what I align myself with.

He's just a pure, no bs kinda guy. He bases his decisions on facts, not on how many votes he will get. I wish him luck in the upcoming election but unfortunately our government does not cater to that kind of a person.

At least he's on the republican ticket, not libby or green. That way he'll have somewhat of a chance.

 

[GreatLakes THC]

Go Ron Paul!!! He's had my vote in the last two elections. Will get it again this time too. The most sensible politician you will find. Love this guy.

GreatLakes THC

 

[s00thsayer]

Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

here are some news links....TOT has links in the article to contact political reps.... please do this peeps!!! spread the word

"The first bill ever introduced in Congress to end federal marijuana prohibition is coming on Thursday, June 23. Historic, bipartisan legislation which would end the United States' war on marijuana -- and allow states to legalize, tax regulate and control cannabis commerce without federal interference -- will be introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas). Co-sponsors of the bill include Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)"

http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2011/06/legislation_to_end_us_marijuana_prohibition_coming.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPs1Oem0yvI&feature=player_embedded

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20073545-503544.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/22/marijuana-bill-barney-frank-ron-paul_n_882707.html

 

[GrowBudsGrow]

Yeah it's a poorly written article. This won't make it anywhere though lets be real. The game is rigged. Paul is constantly introducing bills just trying to give us some of the freedoms this country is all about back, but always gets stonewalled. Hell even the 'legalize milk so amish farmers don't get sent to federal prison' bill is going nowhere.

Funny to see how even among the brain dead droves of Yahooers there is no opposition.

 

[guest86120975]

Anyone have a link to the vid?

I would honestly have felt better if they had introduced a bill to reschedule MJ out of schedule 1 rather than flat out legalization. Would have been more realistic.

 

[joeuser]

Anyone have a link to the vid?

I would honestly have felt better if they had introduced a bill to reschedule MJ out of schedule 1 rather than flat out legalization. Would have been more realistic.

Why?

Why should an "herb" be illegal in the first place? It can't kill you...so why is it illegal to have?

 

[joeuser]

Well done well done. I love that man and don't understand why he isn't like the most popular man in America.

Because the mainstream media marginalizes him. They treat him like a leper...because he's DANGEROUS to them and what they promote. Remember...the media is on the OTHER side...they're part of the enemy.

He runs on the republican party ticket, but his philosophy is really libertarian. The libertarian party is even farther to the right of republicans...they only believe govt should be involved in citizen's lives in the most minimal way possible, like military defense in case we are attacked, etc.

Libertarians believe that ALL drugs should be legal, prostitution as well. I agree with some of their platform, but only some of it.

He's definitely a likeable fellow, though, would be a fine grandpa.

Why only some? Do you have a problem with freedom? Making your own choices and decisions? You think others know better what is good for you?

I love this guy. I don't agree with every one of his philosophies but the big picture of small government with power to the states is what I align myself with.

He's just a pure, no bs kinda guy. He bases his decisions on facts, not on how many votes he will get. I wish him luck in the upcoming election but unfortunately our government does not cater to that kind of a person.

At least he's on the republican ticket, not libby or green. That way he'll have somewhat of a chance.

He has LESS of a chance being a republican than he would as an independent...and as an independent...he doesn't have a chance either...bottom line...he doesn't have a chance EITHER way he runs. Because he is AGAINST the "system". He's a token representative...they let him stay because he can't really do any harm.

Hopefully I'm wrong and he'll be able to make some REAL changes. But I doubt it. They're too powerful, too ingrained.

 

[squarepush3r]

Ron Paul 2012!

 

[budlover123]

Someone else should get started on a bill to reschedule marijuana under the controlled substances act, look at all the good Press Barney Frank and Ron Paul are getting.

Surely there are other Republicans that want to be the "generic republican candidate" that has been leading in some recent polls over actual candidates

 

[gaiusmarius]

big ups for Ron Paul as always, he's the only one who's really consistent in is views on natural rights and the freedom they grant us. has anyone got a youtube link to the clip of the kudlow report?

 

[Amber Trich]

Legislation To End Federal Prohibition

Legislation To End Federal Prohibition


Marijuana Bill In Congress: Barney Frank, Ron Paul Legislation Would End Federal Ban On Pot

Legislation To End U.S. Marijuana Prohibition Coming Thursday

Legislation To End U.S. Marijuana Prohibition Coming Thursday

By Steve Elliott ~alapoet~ in Legislation, News
Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at 12:53 pm

The first bill ever introduced in Congress to end federal marijuana prohibition is coming on Thursday, June 23. Historic, bipartisan legislation which would end the United States' war on marijuana -- and allow states to legalize, tax regulate and control cannabis commerce without federal interference -- will be introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).

Co-sponsors of the bill include Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)

The legislation would limit the federal government's role in marijuana enforcement to cross-border or interstate smuggling, allowing people to legally grow, use or sell marijuana in states where it is legal.

Leading critics of the war on marijuana will explain the legislation's significance for state and national marijuana policy at a national press teleconference on Thursday.

A group of police and judges who fought on the front lines of the failed War On Drugs is announcing its support for the legislation, which is called the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011.

"Clearly the 'war on drugs' has failed, and nowhere is that more clear than with respect to marijuana," said Neill Franklin, a former Baltimore narcotics cop and executive director of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). "It baffles me that we arrest nearly 800,000 people on marijuana charges in this country each and every year at taxpayer expense when we could instead be taking in new tax revenue from legal and regulated marijuana sales.

"Making marijuana illegal hasn't prevented anyone from using it, but it has created a huge funding source that funnels billions of dollars in tax-free profits to violent drug cartels and gangs," Franklin said. "More and more cops now agree: Legalizing marijuana will improve public safety."

jimmy carter flip.jpg
Photo: Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
Former President Jimmy Carter: "Maybe the increased tax burden on wealthy citizens necessary to pay for the war on drugs will help bring about a reform of America's drug policies"
​ Last week marked the 40th anniversary of President Richard Nixon's declaring war on marijuana and other drugs. In an op-ed in the New York Times last week, timed for the 40th anniversary, former President Jimmy Carter called for reforming marijuana laws.

The legislation also comes on the heels of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, which released a report on June 2 calling for a major paradigm shift in how our society deals with drugs, including calling for legal regulation of marijuana. The report sent a jolt around the world, generating thousands of international media stories.

The Commission is comprised of international dignitaries including Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations; Richard Branson, entrepreneur, founder of the Virgin Group; and the former presidents of Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Switzerland. Representing the United States on the Commission are George P. Shultz, Paul Volcker and John Whitehead.

More than 46 percent of Californians voted last year to legalize marijuana in their state, and voters in Colorado, Washington and possibly other states are expected to vote on the issue next year. In the past year, five state legislatures have considered legalizing marijuana, including California, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington state.

Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use, but the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continues to arrest people under federal law, and U.S. Attorneys have in recent months sent threatening letters to state policymakers in an apparent attempt to meddle in state decision-making.

Rep. Frank's legislation would end state/federal conflicts over marijuana policy, reprioritize federal resources, and provide more room for states to do what is best for their own citizens, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project (MPP).

You can write to your Representatives by using this handy form; just enter your state and zip code, and mention that you support the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Or, if you'd prefer, you can use MPP's pre-written letter, which will automatically go to your representative when you fill out the form, by clicking here.

What: Tele-Press Conference on the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

When: Thursday, June 23, 2 p.m. EST/11 a.m. PST

Call-In Info: 1-800-311-9404; Passcode: Marijuana

Who:
• Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.)
• Rob Kampia, executive director of Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)
• Aaron Houston, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)
• Allen St. Pierre, executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
• Bill Piper, director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)

 

[pearlemae]

Here's betting the bill never makes it out of committee, much less ever makes it to the floor for a vote, unless the repressives add a bunch of amendments defunding everything and lowering taxes further on the uber rich. my two cents.

 

[vta]

I would honestly have felt better if they had introduced a bill to reschedule MJ out of schedule 1 rather than flat out legalization. Would have been more realistic.

Something to think about.....


Is RESCHEDULING what we REALLY want?
Posted by Mickey Martin

So the big buzz in the industry is a push to get cannabis rescheduled. On the surface it sounds great. It would bring legitimacy to the industry and allow for research to happen more easily. Those aspects are awesome. There is nothing I would like more than to believe that rescheduling would solve all of the problems of the medical cannabis community. But then I ask myself…..”What does a rescheduled cannabis market look like?”

It seems like some are under the impression that a rescheduled cannabis market would mean all dispensaries would suddenly become legal and patients would be able to cultivate cannabis freely for their medical use. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. Chances are, quite the opposite effect would happen. Medical cannabis could be swallowed up by deep pocket companies that would use their lobbying power to ensure that no cannabis could be produced that was not done by licensed corporations and you can be sure that the licensing process would be so restrictive and expensive that ONLY a major drug company could cut the mustard. In turn, your cannabis could also be extremely expensive. Much like people are not allowed to produce their own Vicodin or grow their own opium to make Morphine, cannabis too could become an extremely restricted substance that could only be purchased through a pharmacy. In turn, production of this drug by non-licensed persons could become “counterfeiting prescription drugs,” a charge that carries with it a ten year mandatory minimum. So the question I have is, “Why is this the MAJOR focus of our movement, when it is clear that it will most likely destroy the fabric of our community and place our beloved plant in the hands of the enemy only?”

I obviously believe cannabis SHOULD be rescheduled, but in all honesty, it would seem like a losing scenario for the multitudes of folks who currently provide cannabis medicines, and could decimate the current systems of safe access that have been, or are in the process of being, implemented. To me, without a clear push for legalization, rescheduling becomes another tool, in which the drug warriors can use to further marginalize the hard work this industry has done thus far. It could destroy any chance of patients being able to cultivate and possess cannabis under the current system, as the system could be transfered to big business. The multitudes of small producers that currently earn a living by producing cannabis for patients would cease to exist and we would be left with a homogenized and limited supply of pharmaceutical cannabis that was only available under the strictest of distribution systems. It begs me to wonder why our movement is working so diligently to make this happen, when it is not seemingly in our best interest. It is the old rock and a hard place.

Sure…I want the Government to recognize that cannabis is a legitimate medicine and for people to have access to this great medicine in EVERY state; but although access would seem to be more readily available Nationwide as a result, it could be access to limited genetics, limited diversity, limited quality, and a supply that is dictated not by people who love this plant, but by companies that love money. We could essentially be outlawing the current systems in California and Colorado, and the systems being developed elsewhere, for a system dictated by the very same big business lobbying groups that have kept cannabis illegal and on the black market for all of these years. Is this REALLY what we want?


My view is this…..Rescheduling should happen for sure, but I do not think it is a great use of this industry’s resources to push for that, as we will probably not be thrilled with the result of it. What we should be focusing on is ensuring that cannabis for medical and enjoyable use are the focal point of our efforts, and begin asking for what we really want…FREEDOM. We should never go into a negotiation looking for the bare minimum. That is a sad strategy. Rescheduling should be a given. It is unconscionable for the Government to continue their lies and deceit in this area and Joe Public knows that. The toothpaste is out of the tube so to speak. So unless we are looking for some moral victory that would essentially crush the movement we have created, this alone is a losing battle IMO. When we free the plant from the clutches of tyranny and demand that the government re-legalize cannabis for adult use, thus removing the stigma of it being a criminal act altogether, then the rescheduling of cannabis becomes an easy goal to achieve. Rescheduling alone seems like another road block and a PYRRHIC VICTORY. Is this what we really want?

If it is not what you REALLY want then quit wasting time, energy, and money asking for it. Ask for what we really want. To be treated like real human beings and to be free to use cannabis (medically or not) without fearing to be arrested, jailed, and treated like a second class citizen. Until we have that accomplished, the rescheduling of cannabis will simply be another road block to real cannabis freedom. Thanks for throwing me a bone, but I will continue to ask for what I think should be the real message….“The Government has no right to tell me that I am a criminal for growing, possessing, and using a safe and enjoyable plant.” Anything less is a failure to communicate our real wants and needs.

 

[Mrs.Babba]

We have to take baby steps to get cannabis legal. Hopefully this will one step in the right direction. It wont be perfect but what law is? Keepin my fingers crossed!
puff puff

 

[s13sr20det]

heres the interview he did on larry kudlow last night in case anyone missed it

http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000029247

 

[Scrappy-doo]

Thanks for the link s13

 

[DoobieDuck]

s13 thanks for providing that link..DD

 

[ZoSo]

He has LESS of a chance being a republican than he would as an independent...and as an independent...he doesn't have a chance either...bottom line...he doesn't have a chance EITHER way he runs. Because he is AGAINST the "system". He's a token representative...they let him stay because he can't really do any harm.

Hopefully I'm wrong and he'll be able to make some REAL changes. But I doubt it. They're too powerful, too ingrained.

I know man. Shit sucks.

But we can always hope. <<-----Why do I feel like that word is ruined now?