Two years ago cannabis legalization was in a completely different place. Feds did not respect State Medical Marijuana laws, and mentioning legalization to a politician was a waste of breath. And here we are at the start of a new decade with legalization closer then ever before. I look at the opportunity Californians have and hope that they continue to revolutionize politician's view on the subject. And yet, I hear such negativity coming from some. Which is why I urge you not to waste this oppurtunity. It is on your shoulders. Fight the fight. Campaign. Petition. Rally. Do what has to be done to become the beacon for cannabis legalization for the US and the world. If I had the chances you have I would be wearing a "Support AB 390" shirt, posting flyers everywhere. Remember that many supporters whose state is still in the 1950's are fighting for medical. And legalization supporters everywhere look to you with any help we can give. Give em' hell.
Yes!! You guys HAVE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN! I am sure it'll reach world wide news, especially here in South Africa, and the effect would snowball I'm sure! Actually, JUST 5mins ago I had a debate with my mom about weed. I told her to just wait till november because I am sure It'll be legalized in California(we have family there in LA). I also told her about the Medical MJ. Yeah she thinks I am crazy and said I am childish, a stupid adult and if my dad was still alive he would kill me and be really disappointed( )..... LEGALIZE IT SO THAT PEOPLE CAN SEE!! GL HF.
You bring up a very good point that I think most people overlook in regards to the efforts to legalize marijuana: significant progress has been made just over the last few years. If in 2008 you had posted on these boards that in 2010 California would be voting on an initiative to legalize marijuana, most people would have been extremely skeptical. Many would meet the news with outright disbelief. However, 2 years later that is the reality we are facing. Progress on the legalization front has taken off at a blistering pace in the last few years, and for the first time in my lifetime there is legitimate hope that meangingful change is right around the corner for marijuana legislation.
I agree with the OP. The hopes of marijuana legalization is largely dependent upon California. The state holds over 10% of the US population and it would be a huge setback all across the country if the voter initiative fails this November. So PLEASE, do whatever you can to promote the initiative. Us on the east coast really depend upon it.
I hope and believe we will lead the way for you guys.. along with some other states! Some states are beyond comprehension in their ignorance of MJ. Its soon going to be very uncomfortable to have a draconian federal and state law when the MAJORITY states have medical mj law. It is also going to be very hard to continue to claim "sched 1 no med benefit" when there are so many medical mj states and the AMA supports it. Keep fighting! Of course, I still feel that $50/oz tax is a little steep... .. but thats the buy off the mj folks are offering the state...
I hope Califnornia kicks some ass, but I think us here in Washington will be RIGHT with them. I know for myself starting March 1st until that last second ticks on July 1st I (along with most everyone I know) will be out collecting signatures like a fucking firestorm to get those 241,000 we need. We'll get those no doubt, and we'll be in the same position as Cali to get it voted on in November. This could end up being one HELL of a new year if we can both get this thing taken care of. I have no doubt in my mind we have the votes for it, we just got to make sure we get everyone pumped up. At this point though, I think people are so tired of our current laws that it'll do that itself.
I believe it will indeed be a team effort of WA, OR, CO, AND CA leading the charge for full legalization and a continuing domino effect for med mj. The feds cant continue to ignore this long. It is a very real social revolution.
dont forget MA we decriminalized last year and are pushing for medical! But yeah its nothing compared to Cali. I hope it passe, fight hard!
I'll not count out MA.. you guys have been doing a fine job of late. We need some east coast states to lead .. coast to coast. Hell the south might even have to stop hanging people for having a joint soon! (j/k south!)