Rasmussen: 56% of Americans Favor Legalization

A new Rasmussen poll reveals that of 1,000 likely voters 56% favor legal marijuana.  When respondents were asked "Would you favor or oppose legalizing marijuana and regulating it in the similar manner to the way alcohol and tobacco cigarettes are regulated today?" only 36% responded negatively and 8% were undecided.

"Polling now consistently shows that more voters support legalizing and regulating marijuana than support continuing a failed prohibition approach," he said in a statement Tuesday. "Yet far too many politicians continue to act as if marijuana policy reform is some dangerous third rail they dare not touch. If the trends in public opinion continue in the direction they are going, the day is not far away when supporting a prohibition system that causes so much crime, violence and corruption is going to be seen as a serious political liability for those seeking support from younger and independent voters. Savvy forward-looking politicians are already beginning to see which way the wind is blowing." READ MORE>>>

This is fantastic news! Finally, people are starting to look at the issue truthfully and consider the facts
instead of the government talking points.

One day, I'd love to see a nation where I can grow or smoke cannabis if I CHOOSE to without facing any legal repercussions. It should be no different than if I chose to grow tobacco or brew my own beer.

Viral Pro-Pot Eminem Parody Censored by Youtube

Comedian Steve Berke Eminem Parody "Censored"
Okay, technically it wasn't "censored" in the traditional sense, but it was flagged as inappropriate. 
What this does is it requires people to sign in to view the video, and we all know that if you're not already a member of a site you're not going to sign in just to watch a video.

Here's the video that YouTube users find "inappropriate."


Now compare this with the original Eminem video which depicts domestic abuse, alcoholism, and makes mention of arson and other crimes, yet it's not "inappropriate."


Also, I like the parody better than Eminem's original version.

"Beer Lobby" Donates Against Prop 19

The California Beer & Beverage Distributors (CBBD) has donated $10,000 to defeat Proposition 19.  They allege that if Proposition 19 passes it "would allow California beer distributors' drivers to operate hundreds of big rig trucks and trailers, sales vehicles and trucks on California highways everyday, exposing the motoring public to potential harm. It is also the CBBD's concern that with the doing away with drug testing of employees, our transportation businesses may be unable to find liability insurance to insure our companies."

However, I don't buy this excuse.  The CBBD doesn't regularly test it's drivers to see if they've drank alcohol within the last 30 days.  If anything, this should highlight the need for a means to test for marijuana intoxication and not just the presence of cannabis metabolites.

While the CBBD denies its contribution anything to do with competition, several breweries, including popular Chico-based Sierra Nevada, are furious they've been linked with Prop. 19 opposition, and have asked the CBBD to remove their name from their membership list. READ MORE>>>

Good on Sierra Nevada!  I say if you're going to buy some California Beer this weekend, skip the rest and pick up a case of Sierra Pale Ale.

Recommended reading: Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink?

Med. Marijuana Bill Introduced into PA House

On April 29, 2009 Rep. Mark B. Cohen introduced the bill to legalize medical marijuana with PA4MMJ. HB1393 would allow registered patients to grow six plants or purchase cannabis through Compassion Centers. A provision in the bill allows these medical cannabis sales to be taxed. READ MORE>>>

What do I think about it?

Well, it's a step in the right direction. However, largely all of the recent medical marijuana legislation are a means for politicians to distance themselves from their long held position that marijuana is a dangerous, possibly addictive, and harmful substance while not receiving any blow back for 'flip-flopping'.

It allows them to argue, "This bill isn't about recreational marijuana use... it's about "medical" marijuana use." As if giving a 'dangerous, possibly addictive, and harmful substance' to a immuno-compromised or seriously ill individual is better than giving it to a healthy individual.

The text of the bill allows for medicinal marijuana use without fear of arrest or prosecution for violating state laws. I have to give props to all of the Democrats that introduced the legislation, and a strong rebuke to the lack of Republicans that have shown support for it (only one Republican is listed on the bill).

What really pushes my buttons is the fact that Medical Marijuana Legislation is making news (controversially I might add) while Industrial Hemp legislation is no-where to be found. It's easy to see why people would be concerned about legalizing marijuana for recreational and medicinal use, but it's unfathomable why a useful product such as Industrial Hemp is still classified as a pyschoactive substance.

It's a step in the right direction.

CA Lawmakers to Debate MJ Legalization Tomorrow

So California lawmakers will begin hearing testimony tomorrow in favor of legalizing marijuana which would put marijuana on the same legal standing as schedule 1 alcohol...

Personally, I'm all in favor of it. There's no good reason why tax payers should be paying $30,000+ a year to jail people that recreationally use marijuana.

NORML's Post on it.

Fox News on MJ Decrimilization

Wow, I wouldn't have pegged Fox News to take this side on the issue. Good for them.