LegalizeNow!

Hey all. First post on these boards. I've viewed for awhile but finally decided to sign up

Anyway, I've begun to get active in the legalization process for Marijuana and it passing through the state I reside in (Minnesota). I just wrote this letter today and mailed it off to some of our elected officials (as well as the governor). If you have the time to read it, I'd appreciate any feedback!

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Dear Gov. Pawlenty,

Thank you for your time. I'd like to ask you some questions regarding your stance on Medical Marijuana.

Recently, there has been a big push around the country to legalize Marijuana. The Justice Dept. released a memo stating that federal resources should not focus on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medicinal use of Marijuana. As of today, there are 13 states with legal Medical Marijuana.

I feel as though we may be missing an opportunity by prohibiting the use of Marijuana. From what I have gathered, the state of Minnesota is close to a 4.6 billion dollar deficit. If the state taxed $1 for every cigarette containing Marijuana, it would create approx. 5 billion in additional revenue for the state.

Marijuana has often been refered to as a gateway drug. Numerous scientific studies, specifically a report by the Institute of Medicide (IOM 1999) have shown that on average, 70% of Marijuana users DO NOT move on to harder drugs (Meth, Cocaine, etc..).

There is a huge black market for Marijuana. I am 18 years old, and have seen first-hand how much easier it is to obtain Marijuana than Alcohol for those who are underage. Alcohol is regulated by the government, and the sellers always ask for I.D.. Whereas with Marijuana, drug dealers are more focused on a sale than the age or morality of selling to kids.

I have included a link to a video from the California State Assembly. Retired Judge Jim Gray from Orange County is discussing the realities of Marijuana, both positive and negative.


My personal view on the issue is that Medical Marijuana should be legalized. I believe either there should be an age restriction (21), much like there is with Alcohol, or a patient should be able to obtain small quantites of Marijuana for personal use with a doctor's recommendation. I do not condone personal use, but at the same time view it as a personal freedom that a competent adult should be able to chose to engage in or not.

My question to you is, what are the pro's and con's of the current laws regarding Marijuana prohibition? What are your views on a change in legislation to legalize Medical Marijuana?

Once again, thank you for your time.

SpiralSpindle

I like it. Hope you get a reply. And if you do, please share it with us.

One thing I find neat and fun to argue. But this is more when people are telling you their idea of facts, but I noticed it in your letter and thought it'd be a good time to get it out.

The gateway theory. You mentioned cocaine. Well a little while ago I was talking with a psychologist after getting caught and he was telling me that weed might make you try cocaine. And to my luck I had just looked at the drugs and schedules the night before, randomly with no main motive. But I realized that coke is actually lower schedule than marijuana. It's a 2 where as marijuana is 1. So I said to him, now the gateway theory has been proven false many ways but there's one thing about what you mentioned that got me. Cocaine is scheduled by the government lower than marijuana. Meaning it isn't as dangerous. So if that's the case and we have to obey these laws and regulations then why are people worried about pot smoking teenagers going on to snort cocaine, and not being worried about coke users to move UP to marijuana. I mean federally it is worse for you than coke so what's the deal here. Do people in power get to pick and choose with these things? How come I wouldn't be getting told that I'm soon to be a hard drug addict if I had been caught with a gram of blow in my pocket.

Riddle me that.


Just wanted to get that out there. Cuz I felt quite impressed with myself after improving that and beating a not so unbiased doc.

SmokeyMcPott

I wish you the best of luck. Pawlenty is a tool and the chances of him signing any bill for medical marijuana are slim to none. He vetoed it the last time it went through. IMO, new governor = legalization.

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LegalizeNow!

Agreed Smokey. I think some of it may have to do with the fact that Pawlenty has presidential aspirations, and doesn't want to do anything controversial to diminish his chances at being the Republican nomination for the 2012 race. It's unfortunate though, because is he really looking after Minnesota's interests? Or his own? And yeah, I think the odds of him signing any bill into effect are slim to none. Hope you are right on the new governor :P

And Spiral if I get a response back from any of the politicians I wrote to I'll definitely post back their reply.

DoobieBrother

I'd say the answer to that is pretty obvious.

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Frid

Nice letter i liked it. Make sure to update.

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024

cocaine is a class A drug and Pot is a Class B drug, here in Australia.

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StonedCoder

I never knew that and I really appreciate you making that point. That's a great argument to tell the anti-pot crowd. It almost makes you wonder if the government is biased and doesn't rely on scientific information...

To the OP, good letter and I hope you get some replies. As everyone else said, please share any info you get back.

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LegalizeNow!

Well guys, as of now I haven't heard back from any of the people I wrote to. I somewhat expected that though, so it's alright. The important thing to remember is that if enough people demand change, it puts the pressure on them (the politicians).

024

good letter, they will reply to that.