Tax and Regulate Marijuana [Video]
Published April 07, 2009 @ 08:22AM PT
A look at some of the reasons why the United States should consider taxing and regulating marijuana for responsible adult use.
Comments
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Author
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Ben Morris
- Arlington, VA
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Ben has been working at the Marijuana Policy Project for two years, managing grassroots outreach for their federal policies department. He also contributes to MPP's blog and writes newsletter articles.
Legalize Marijuana Featured Actions
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- Started by Phillip Cornwell
- 14896 People
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This video is preaching to the choir. I think Ron Paul is right that this is not a money issue but a states rights and a freedom issue. This site is best used to organize protests and such.
Posted by Raymond Malloy on 04/07/2009 @ 09:42AM PT
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That's true. We need to somehow get this video out there.
One possibility is digg. It's known that their most-dugg articles are often about legalizing and regulating marijuana... if this video hasn't already made it there, we can get it to the top dugg article.
Posted by Jacob "Bear" Elert on 04/07/2009 @ 11:08AM PT
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Also, I've suggested this several times, but I might as well ask you folks.
Does anyone know of a way to make a Wiki that we can use to formulate a regulatory marijuana law? We could submit suggestions and revisions to a marijuana law and then debate the pro's and con's of them.
Anyone?
Posted by Jacob "Bear" Elert on 04/07/2009 @ 11:10AM PT
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OK bear I am behind what is a Wiki?
Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 04/07/2009 @ 06:37PM PT
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
It's created in the same format as wikipedia pages.
Posted by Jacob "Bear" Elert on 04/08/2009 @ 09:41AM PT
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In fact, Wikipedia IS a Wiki. It's a Wiki "Encyclopedia," thus the name Wikipedia.
Posted by Jacob "Bear" Elert on 04/08/2009 @ 09:41AM PT
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Ok, guys. I'm going to attempt sometime in the next week to create a MediaWiki for this idea. I'll send the link once I've configured it. Obviously we're going to need to be vigilant against anyone trying to spam the wiki with vulgar or offensive information, so once the site goes up we'll need to keep a watch.
Posted by Jacob "Bear" Elert on 04/10/2009 @ 01:46PM PT
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awesome man! keep us up to date!
Posted by mikey johnson on 04/10/2009 @ 07:37PM PT
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Please vote for my idea need more support please...
http://www.change.org/actions/view/free_health_care_no_new_tax_no_deficit_spending_save_a_kids_life
End the war on drugs, finance universal health care, keep our kids our of slavery, to insure the legal drug boys control what choice we have....
Cherokee Fred Hussein Jesus
Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 04/07/2009 @ 06:36PM PT
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Seems that an actor from Harry Potter just got busted for cannabis possession (in the UK).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/5123684/Harry-Potter-star-Jamie-Waylett-arrested-over-2000-bedroom-cannabis-farm.html
Posted by Lance C on 04/08/2009 @ 11:28AM PT
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wow, i truly feel for this dude.
especially considering i am in the midst of harvesting 7 lil girls. lucky for me i am a cali med patient.
all humans should have the right to grow if they want. just as you can brew your own beer. its freakin work! but that 3 months work to get at your 7 plants flowers could last you an entire year :) more to spend my hard on cash on wisely.
Posted by jeffrey C oldman on 04/10/2009 @ 01:10AM PT
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It's not that easy to regulate marijuana..that's why it is banned and prohibited for it brings no good to our physical and mental health. If we let this to happen, then we are just permitting the possibility that our society will be composed of drug dependent persons, and if this is so, crimes and other bad acts might occur. How could we, enjoy our everyday lives if we have to worry about our environment, whether it's safe to go out..
A Message concern from CookingGames lover.
www.cooking-games.biz
Posted by Camille Jane Fuentes on 04/09/2009 @ 01:15AM PT
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lopez, how is the world today? Is it safe to go out now? Is there drug abuse going on less than a block from your house? First of all before you post about marijuana you should educate yourself fist on the substance, so that you know what your talking about. If marijuana were legalized-taxed-regulated it would take more than sixty percent of drug cartels income away! which is a pretty penny! Marijuana is safer than alcohol or tobacco and them two substances are legal. I dont have time to explain myself fully, long story short!--there will always be people using drugs of all sorts, so why not pay the government whom can invest that money for the economy other than investing it to the drug cartels and terrorists and so on, come on! think about it a little bit
Posted by derrick steele on 04/09/2009 @ 01:53AM PT
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our society IS worse off as it is, dependent on prescription drugs, but that's alright cause it legal right??
someone driving on xanax vs some driving on cannibis
which sounds more dangerous to you
Posted by William Fleisher on 04/09/2009 @ 10:10AM PT
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"She's" a troll, don't feed "her."
Posted by Jacob "Bear" Elert on 04/09/2009 @ 03:45PM PT
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Do you know what you're talking about? Here's something that every prohibitionist fails to take into account: Drugs are already readily available. Drug related crimes already happen. Drug addiction is already a problem. The idea that if we just ignore it and continue burning taxpayer resources and arresting drug users, send them to criminal university (prison) and all this will just go away shows a distinct disconnect with reality. That's what we've been doing for 35 years now with the exact opposite effect. The more money we spend, the more people we arrest, the more drug use and drug addiction rises. Our current drug policies set up a black market that makes violent criminals rich and ensure minors have access to drugs. Legalization would remedy this by removing a good portion of profits that fuel drug cartels and place marijuana in the hands of a regulated system that doesn't sell to people underage. Sure, with enough authoritarian force we will be able to end drug use. But by the time we accomplish this we would be left with a police state far from the founding fathers vision for America.
How is legalizing a substance that isn't physically addictive going to lead to more addiction? By that logic you should be mortified that alcohol is legal. Alcohol causes physical dependency and violent behaviour, both not demonstrated in cannabis users. It would be ridiculous to assume that criminalizing and arresting alcohol users because of this would at all help mitigate the negative effects of it's use any more than our current alcohol policy. We draw a line between use and abuse and focus law enforcement on those who actually break the law. Portugal is a great study in effective drug policy. PLEASE do some research into the drug policies of the Netherlands and Portugal and see how they have been an overwhelming success without arresting drug users. Otherwise I don't see how you could be qualified to make such a judgement. Especially in light of the facts that say you are dead wrong.
Drug use is a health problem. Law enforcement has no place in this issue. It's easy to say that legalization just won't work. But the only people that really believe that are the people who haven't made the effort to take an objective look at the whole issue. Read "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" by Jack Herer and do some research into the drug policies of other countries as well as the purely racist roots of marijuana prohibition, then come back here and tell us that we are on the right course with our current drug policies. "Tough on drugs" is not smart on drugs. And the hysteria that lead to marijuana prohibition in the first place has no place in civilized 21st century society.
Posted by mikey johnson on 04/09/2009 @ 04:21PM PT
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Actually it is banned due to racist lies from 1937. It had little to nothing to do with any actual dangers of cannabis.
Harry J. Anslinger actually said things like:
"There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others."
"Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality, and death."
"Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind."
Most politicians didn't even know what "marijuana" meant, since they had only known it by the name "cannabis", which was well-known as an important crop for producing rope, medicine, and other products.
One 2-minute lie on the floor of the House and cannabis was illegal. But it takes over 70 to convince the politicians to make it legal again. And if you are concerned about drug abuse, seeing as more people smoke it here than in Amsterdam, I'm thinking we couldn't be doing worse in the "War on Drugs", even if we tried.
Posted by Lance C on 04/10/2009 @ 08:07AM PT
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Please get educated. Quit listening to all the lies the government is feeding us. Do some reading before you decide to mouth about something you have no idea about.
Posted by chad smith on 04/30/2009 @ 08:53AM PT
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If you want to talk about this issue go and educate yourself first. A war (against the laws of our land) that does more damage than what it was supposed to protect us against is a waste of money and lives.
Lives 1 million a year
money 100 billion a year
Wasted
Cherokee Fred Hussein Jesus
Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 04/09/2009 @ 08:55PM PT
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I have and advocate we all withhold our support from Pres Obama. As much as I think the man is a good one. Until he address our country's number one issue I will withhold all support form him.
End the war on drugs provide universal health care with the money wasted today. Then if someone gets on a bad drug like bourbon they can get help. Let the cannabis people go we have paid far to much and lost our rights long enough...
CFHJ
Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 04/09/2009 @ 09:03PM PT
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i second that. i am removing his bumper sticker from my car and scooter. he already quit getting my funding once his campaign asked for donations to help payoff clintons 6million dollar debt she ran up dragging out her failed attempt at beating him.
now with the way he's treated the issue of ending the prohibition on both hemp and cannabis crosses the line.
and today he has the audacity to propose printing another 83 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan? why not educationally addressing the issue of our failing and doomed to fail war on drugs here, and in both Mexico, Canada & across the americas. how many civil wars are we going to create and perpetuate? how many dollars and HUMAN LIVES affected for cannabis prohibtion? or how many people have poor diets that could be drastically benefitted by the addition of non-mind altering hemp seeds to their daily routine.
please spend our money wisely mr obama while providing freedom for peaceful humans. end the war of cannabis and hemp. you can make it happen. you can convince america and congress that this war is doomed to fail for o so many reasons and legalization across the nation for both plants makes so much sense. spend our money wisely mr obama while providing freedom for peaceful humans.
Posted by jeffrey C oldman on 04/10/2009 @ 12:57AM PT
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I went to NORML today, and then commented on The Hill on their latest article. One of the comments mentioned following these 2 steps:
1. Pass the National Initiative http://ni4d.us/en/national_initiative
2. Meanwhile, write the law http://hempact.wikia.com/wiki/Hemp_Revitalization_Act_of_2009 and let the people vote!
Posted by Lance C on 04/10/2009 @ 01:53PM PT
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I love my mary jane! only get to smoke during winter months because im a seasonal worker so I have to quit for the summer due to TESTING! and that why I know its not addicting because I smoke all winter everyday and stop cold turkey one month before i start work. NO SIDE AFFECTS OR WHITHDRAWLS WHAT SO EVER!. so lets get this legalized already!
Posted by derrick steele on 04/10/2009 @ 11:35PM PT
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I am losing steam and it seems our movement is slowing. It is such a shame we cannot rally and organize all who feel the war shoul be ended and the persecution stopp,
I put up an idea to end the war on drugs and use the money to fund universal health care for all Americans so far it got 49 votes. Would someone read it and tell me why this idea is not a good one?
http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/free_health_care_no_new_tax_no_deficit_spending_save_a_kids_life
Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 04/11/2009 @ 12:46PM PT
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I don't think we are losing momentum at all. We are just entering the season for the large cannabis rallies. Next weekend we have a large rally going on on the steps of the state capital. This is followed closely by 4/20 and the several large smoke-outs that go along with that. May 2nd is the global marijuana march, known to draw thousands in several major American cities. Aug. 15-16 is the famous Seattle Hempfest. All these events will probably dwarf the numbers of last years rallies. I realize it's frustrating but we shouldn't lose heart. We've made a lot of progress even in the last few months. Things are slowly sliding our way. We probably have at least a couple more years and one hell of a fight ahead of us. Just keep pushin' man. We're in the right on this thing.
We should definatly be thinking ahead to events we can put together now to take place in the late summer/early fall. Maybe set aside a day to ALL march on our state capitals. 50 states, 50 marches, one day. That will keep our momentum riding into the wintertime.
Posted by mikey johnson on 04/11/2009 @ 11:54PM PT
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**We, as in we here in my state of New York are having a rally at the state capital....
Posted by mikey johnson on 04/11/2009 @ 11:57PM PT
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I'm still here, Fred, things are just quieting down because people don't really check out this site anymore.... there's still plenty of action over at NORML. So usually that's where I go to stay up to date on what's going on with everything.
Posted by Lance C on 04/12/2009 @ 01:19PM PT
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By the way, anyone know what's going on with the Massachusetts legalization bill? Hopefully everyone in MA is sending letters to their politicians in support.. we can't let it die!!! If MA legalizes, it will be so much easier for the rest of the states on the Eastern coast to follow through. I'm hoping NY introduces a legalization bill!
Posted by Lance C on 04/12/2009 @ 01:22PM PT
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I'm with ya on that! Now that the Rockefeller Laws have been repealed we in New York are poised to take that next step. With Democratic leadership in Albany, it realistically should be a lot easier to push through a bill similar to those purposed in Mass. and Cali. All New Yorkers should be putting pressure on state lawmakers to bring our marijuana laws into the 21st century.
Posted by mikey johnson on 04/12/2009 @ 02:26PM PT
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Why don't everybody flood the Obama phone line on 4/20 ask him WHY NOT ... which is 7 days from now...if we spread the word...maybe everyone will take a second to call him...maybe not only him but we can make it a point for everyone to call their state reps...too... Just an Idea...
I think the best #1 argument we need to keep emphasizing to the president and our state reps is the fact that no regulations on prohibited drugs put many children at risk...as drug dealers don't ask to see I.D. and many times they create addictions to other drugs as they lace the marijuana with other things.
Posted by Mary Lou Berry on 04/13/2009 @ 09:30AM PT
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Bear ya there? Found this Wiki already in effect? Check it out.
http://hempact.wikia.com/wiki/Hemp_Revitalization_Act_of_2009
Is this what you were thinking about?
CFJ
Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 04/13/2009 @ 01:36PM PT
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Very much so. My college semester is boiling down to a 4-project finish, so I haven't had a LOT of time to work on a wiki. Nevertheless, this is what I had in mind.
Posted by Jacob "Bear" Elert on 04/13/2009 @ 05:48PM PT
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http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/new_york_senate_dems_to_consid.html
Being from NY, I can appreciate this tidbit of good news. I'll be calling my senators/congressmen in the next few days... to support this bill.
Posted by Lance C on 04/21/2009 @ 02:14AM PT
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The systems perfect.. Police are great. The problem is that police will arrest YOU and cast you in prison with a murderer and rapist because of a plant. Taxing would be better then the current situation. Prison is not the answer. Psst besides you make bombs and guns and cause cancer and destroying the world.. Can we have a plant? Wait make that two cause now we can grow both Hemp & Cannabis after ending the unjust prohibition.
Legalize it, put it in on lawns again. The white house garden would look gorgeous with this resiliant plant no doubt facilitating the brokering peace with other nations. The air would be so much fresher.
Posted by jeffrey C oldman on 04/23/2009 @ 10:59AM PT
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lb4x_fR9QE
great video on rationale of legalizing cannabis. and don't forget people that implies industrial hemoop as well!!!
we will be scratching our heads two years after legalization and wonder what in the hell took so long.
Posted by jeffrey C oldman on 04/28/2009 @ 03:10AM PT
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I give up I have written emails to everyone on your contact us about this problem. With not one reply at least you are consistent!!
But I know from experience you do monitor these comments so here it is.
When I started using this site you could send a message using the, "send to all friends", now it is not an option. I just sent a message to all my friends one at a time what a pain in the
ASS....
CAN YOU RESTORE THE SEND TO ALL FRIENDS OPTION IN THE DROP DOWN BOX AT SEND MESSAGE TO FRIENDS???????????
We are the ones that support your site this seems like a legitimate request. But I have heard from none of your staff that I emailed, not one!!
If you are not going to restore this useful function at least you could reply to a supporter!!!
I know I will the canned we pulled your comment but for once could you address it??
CFJ
Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 04/29/2009 @ 04:23PM PT
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I give up I have written emails to everyone on your contact us about this problem. With not one reply at least you are consistent!!
But I know from experience you do monitor these comments so here it is.
When I started using this site you could send a message using the, "send to all friends", now it is not an option. I just sent a message to all my friends one at a time what a pain in the
ASS....
CAN YOU RESTORE THE SEND TO ALL FRIENDS OPTION IN THE DROP DOWN BOX AT SEND MESSAGE TO FRIENDS???????????
We are the ones that support your site this seems like a legitimate request. But I have heard from none of your staff that I emailed, not one!!
If you are not going to restore this useful function at least you could reply to a supporter!!!
I know I will the canned we pulled your comment but for once could you address it??
CFJ
Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 04/29/2009 @ 04:27PM PT
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has anyone considered "WATER" in the argument for ending the prohibition on cannabis & hemp?
it takes roughly 200 to 700 liters of water to make one litre of WINE. http://wineindustryinsight.com/?p=1415 lets say a conservative wineo drinks a bottle every other day rounding down to 3 bottles a week. in six months that person has consumed 78 bottles of wine, which (78*450=) roughly 35,000 liters of water to support their choice of vice over six months, or 192 liters PER DAY.
on my last 3 month indoor grow cycle, i used less then 700 liters of water to grow 6 cannabis plants (3 sativas & 3 indicas). these 6 plants have lasted me just about 6 months which comes out to less then 4 liters a day.
we are in a time of water shortage, which "vice" or "choice" is better for the planet???
END THE PROHIBITION ON CANNABIS & HEMP and help SAVE our WATER SUPPLY
Posted by jeffrey C oldman on 07/30/2009 @ 02:32PM PT
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