marijuana reform on the horizon?

I receive NORML's (National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) newsletter and had a browse today...and looks like the 'marijuana debate' might be heating up in America (finally - what happens there will impact here...)

"NORML Breaking News: California Assemblyman Introduces Legislation To Tax And Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol - February 23rd, 2009 By: Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director

Speaking at a landmark press conference today, California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) introduced comprehensive legislation to tax and regulate the commercial production and sale of cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol.

“With the state in the midst of an historic economic crisis, the move towards regulating and taxing marijuana is simply common sense. This legislation would generate much needed revenue for the state, restrict access to only those over 21, end the environmental damage to our public lands from illicit crops, and improve public safety by redirecting law enforcement efforts to more serious crimes”, Assemblyman Ammiano said. “California has the opportunity to be the first state in the nation to enact a smart, responsible public policy for the control and regulation of marijuana.” (read the full text here)

NORML's been running a marijuana law reform ad contest and hopes to air the ads on cable tv and believes it's "A Propitious Moment For Pot -Bittersweetly, the confluence of a faltering economy and greater public acceptance of cannabis has recently created very attractive advertising opportunities, coupled with media companies' increasing willingness to accept pro-cannabis law reform ads presents organizations like NORML (the opportunity) to place one or more of the winning ads from the contest on TV (or, popular Internet webpages)". I checked out the winners and runners-up... some are humorous, some serious, but all make for very interesting viewing so I thought I'd share them...

apparently Barak Obama has over the years stated 'some' support for decriminalization - even admitted to smoking, and shock, horror - actually inhaling!!!! most politicians usually fob that one off as "i didn't really drawback though"... no doubt the pro-marijuana community will be lobbying the Obama administration heavily...

There's been a rumour around for ages (I heard it years ago) that Marlboro has already designed their packaging for marijuana (to be called "Marlboro Greens" or "Marlboro Highs"?) so that when dope is legalized, they can make the transition into selling marijuana almost instantly - of course the amount of dope per joint would be regulated (and minimal?) - unfortunately that means you would spend more and more money therefore making Marlboro more and more money (they're not in it for the community service!!)... and with it being patented by the tobacco companies seeds would become a rarity and, like tobacco, it would be illegal to grow!!!!

I lean towards the decriminalization viewpoint - people (you, me, ordinary people) could then grow a couple of plants at home without worrying about being busted... guess we'll just have to see how it all plays out...

what more can I say... the mother's provided us with a wonderful recreational and medicinal herb and I'm going to enjoy her generosity... now...