cannabisnews.com: Pot Measure Rolled Out at Capitol










  Pot Measure Rolled Out at Capitol

Posted by CN Staff on December 28, 2005 at 15:26:59 PT
By Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News  
Source: Rocky Mountain News 

Colorado -- Marijuana advocates vowed today to put a statewide measure legalizing pot possession on the November ballot and mobilize an "army of new voters" to pass it. Mason Tvert, campaign director of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) said the campaign is fueled by frustration over Denver authorities' rejection of Initiative 100, which Denver voters passed Nov. 1, ostensibly making it legal for adults to possess up to one ounce of pot. 
Denver leaders and law enforcement officials are continuing to ticket small-time pot violators state law. The "Colorado Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative" would create an identical statewide adult exemption for pot possession up to one ounce, Tvert said, so Denver officials can no longer "ignore the will of the voters by hiding behind state law." Tvert said SAFER will stick to the controversial campaign that apparently helped them pass the Denver initiative: Arguing that adults should have the right to choose marijuana as a safer alternative to alcohol, which initiative backers blame for fueling violence and fatal car wrecks and alcoholism. To gather the nearly 68,000 signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot, Tvert said: "We plan on bringing out an army of new voters in this state and mobilizing students across the state to get involved, collecting signatures and passing this initiative," he said.Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO)Author:  Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News Published: December 28, 2005Copyright: 2005 Denver Publishing Co.Contact: letters rockymountainnews.comWebsite: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Safer Choicehttp://www.saferchoice.org/Pro-Got Group Aims at State Law in '06http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21417.shtmlPro-Pot Group Seeks State Votehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21416.shtmlSpeakout: Time Has Come To Legalize Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21300.shtmlDenver Is First City To Legalize Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21260.shtml 

Home    Comment    Email    Register    Recent Comments    Help





Comment #19 posted by FoM on December 29, 2005 at 12:38:24 PT
GreenJoy 
Thank you. We are best friends. When I am weak he is strong. We moved over 400 miles from home right after we were married. Moving was a good thing and we have never had any regrets. Keep us informed if you want to.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #18 posted by GreenJoy on December 29, 2005 at 12:15:15 PT
Thanks FoM
 I do like to make her laugh! And I hear you. Congratulations for 32 years! From a few posts of Stick's that I've seen I know he love's you. We're hoping to move from here. Been thru much, the both of us, it would be nice to make a fresh start. I'll be around. ;-) GJ
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #17 posted by FoM on December 29, 2005 at 09:30:07 PT
GreenJoy
We've been married for 32 years and thru it all one thing has helped us more then anything else. Always laugh. Keep laughing and smiling and your marriage will be good.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #16 posted by FoM on December 29, 2005 at 09:27:27 PT
GreenJoy
You're getting married! That's wonderful. I wish you a lifetime of happiness. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #15 posted by GreenJoy on December 29, 2005 at 09:21:36 PT
I did FoM!
 And I hope you and all here did too! :-)
 I know that for some here times are TOUGH and my heart goes out to them. I'm getting married!!! GJ
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #14 posted by FoM on December 29, 2005 at 08:40:54 PT
GreenJoy
It's good to see you. I hope you had a Merry Christmas.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #13 posted by GreenJoy on December 29, 2005 at 08:35:25 PT
Comment 12 "Death means...
....you don't have to deal with idiots anymore".  We hope. Hell, if it exists, is doubtless full of them.  GJ
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by Jim Lunsford on December 29, 2005 at 07:20:22 PT
Americans
are so incredibly stupid. Apparantly, about half of our citizens agree with internal spying. Fear is all that the politicians need to exploit. Fear of the unknown. When was the last time we heard anything about the hemp farms in Canada? Just a few months ago, there was almost a drive by the media to put out info, but now, there is nothing. I guess Uncle Bush put some pressure on the Canuks. Naturally, the media is not promoting legalization. But does it matter?I am not voting. I don't believe the government is relevant anymore. And hasn't been worthy of spending my time and effort in a vote since Nixon. But, that's just me, or is it?Guess my prediction about the end of the year is wrong. But, that's okay. I believe that the citizens who continually just buy into whatever they are told, who give into fear-based politics, deserve what they get. Which is nothing. Remember, we are only 4% different in our DNA from Chimps. And that's an average. Could be some really smart monkeys out there!Also, the US is not going to be in a position to dictate world policy much longer anyway. We have economic/political pressures from other countries as well. The EU, China, India, Venezuela, Bolivia, etc. All are becoming power brokers. And, I believe that the Southern Hemisphere is a better hope. But then again, I wouldn't be surprised to find out the "new threat" is from down south. It would be typical to manipulate the masses that way.Won't matter anyway. At our present rate of consumption, and disregard for consequence, Mother Nature may have something to say about it all. Sometimes, I think the world would be a lot better place without humans in it. We are so small and pathetic, yet we feel we are important somehow. Not in a very charitable mood obviously. Just the thought that amerikans have degraded so far as to believe that a totaltarian regime is preferable to freedom is pretty depressing. Hey, just a thought, but whatever happened to the old "Live Free or Die" motto that amerikans used to proudly display on their bumpers? No, now it's "Live in fear or go away" mentality. What a joke our country has become.Watched a video with a friend of mine yesterday. Had those California cops out doing a raid. Dressing up like army soldiers. They were such a joke. Playing Billy Bad Ass. I've run into them before when I was in the army. They are ussually the ones that have all the "toys" and none of the skills or nerve. Let someone shoot back and they get all crazy. Remember the Waco incident? Bringing out a spectre gunship (c-130 with all kinds of cool weapons) against a fdw people. That is that mentality. Personally, I find that mentality to be one of the most extreme in terms of cowardice. I am feeling a bit of anger at it all, but this nation seems to have chosen to be a bunch of wusses instead of citizens. I guess they deserve the fear they live in. But, I don't suffer from that particular illusion. Though, I'm sure that I am just as deluded as everyone else as to what reality truly is about. I just don't care for one filled with such a weak willed people. The meek can have the earth. They deserve nothing more than to be forgotten.Rev Jim LunsfordFirst Cannabist ChurchDeath means you don't have to deal with idiots anymore. How can that be so bad?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by whig on December 29, 2005 at 01:13:12 PT
Comment #9
Personally, I'm looking forward to watching the upcoming impeachment hearings that ought to start soon.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by The GCW on December 28, 2005 at 20:54:47 PT
ekim,
I don't recall Gary LIndstrom talking about NREL, butHe is likely familiar with NREL.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by FoM on December 28, 2005 at 20:41:09 PT
whig
I have only voted 2 maybe 3 times. That's bad that I can't even remember. All I want is the Republicans out and voting for a Democrat will help. Other then to get conservatives out I wouldn't vote either. I don't think anyone in politics is really out for the people. They are out for themselves. That's just politics. Cold, empty and self serving.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by whig on December 28, 2005 at 20:31:52 PT
No anger
I don't vote, but I understand people do what they think they should do. I truly believe that social change is what needs to happen and what is happening, and political change reflects the limitations of what the state (government) can get away with. Voting is a way that they get large numbers of people to "buy in" to the system and obey them. I don't acknowledge that the state has authority, and if any of us really did then they could not use cannabis until prohibition is ended.I actually do know some Libertarians who are like this. They believe in legalizing drugs, but won't smoke pot because it's illegal and/or they are afraid of being prosecuted, or they think it's really bad but it just shouldn't be prosecuted (victimless crime) or whatever.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by ekim on December 28, 2005 at 20:01:15 PT
does Gary talk of NREL 
GCW the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden CO. is on the cutting edge of Cellulose Ethanol more must be written on NREL and its research as globalwarming must be fought. Ethanol will increase from 4 billion gals to 8 billion by 2012.
http://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2004/3404_technologies_lauded.html 
Lets see what else this plant is being used for--please remember while
reading this next peice that this material is almost 4 years old. So the
inclusion of China into the World Trade Org. and the removal of the Textile
ban has increased the market substantially.Chinese Hemp Industry has Boundless Potential Posted by FoM on November 05,
2001 at 09:01:46 PT Business News Source: People's DailyAs world fashion increasingly moves toward simplicity, comfort and health
protection, experts point out that hemp, a major economic crop in China,
could have great market prospects after the nation's entry into the World
Trade Organization. Xia Jingyuan, a senior official with the Chinese
Ministry of Agriculture in charge of the extension of agricultural
technology, said that the annual output of Chinese linen is worth over 10
billion yuan (about 1.2 billion US dollars).According to Xia, the ongoing upgrading of China's agricultural industry has
given Chinese hemp a great opportunity.Environmentally friendly, high value-added and versatile, Chinese hemp
products could be a major money-maker in market both here and abroad, said
Xia.For example, ramie, once used as forage, could provide a new type of
vegetable protein for livestock and boost stockbreeding of southern China.Red hemp used in paper making could prevent the felling of forests while
clothing made from hemp is particularly comfortable to wear and poses no
health hazard.Being one of the earliest fabrics used in China, hemp's heyday can date back
4,000 years when only nobles and royal families could afford to wear finely
spun linen while coarse linen were favored by commoners.The production technology of linen has undergone constant improvement. In
1984, the country made a breakthrough in the degumming technology, bringing
worldwide attention to linen products.Analysts say that to establish a modern linen manufacturing and processing
system with Chinese characteristics, China should double its efforts in
scientific research and international cooperation, because each breakthrough
in relevant technology will greatly boost the sector's upgrading.Source: People's Daily (China) Published: Sunday, November 04, 2001
Copyright: People's Daily Online Website:
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/home.html FB:
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/other/feedback.htmlhttp://www.ethanol-gec.org/fall2001/fall15.html
http://www.ethanol-gec.org/fall2001/fall15.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by FoM on December 28, 2005 at 19:53:43 PT
The GCW
Good luck with your state. Hopefully he will win. I will vote this fall and I never voted in a non presidential election but this year is very important. I might switch from Independent to Democrat just to make a statement. I have been thinking about it. I will vote Democratic no matter what and so will my husband. We made up our minds already. I still don't like politics but I must vote this coming fall. It's way to important not too I believe. I hope I don't get any anger from those who are third party people. I get scared to even mention that I will vote for a Democrat and not a minor party person. I shouldn't have to be afraid but I am.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by The GCW on December 28, 2005 at 19:41:30 PT
There's too much to say.
HIGH news.Remember, I mentioned Gary Lindstrom?;;; running for Governor???Now! We have a platform and a stage.& Perfect timing.Anyone running for Governor WILL BE DRILLED ABOUT THIS SUBJECT, & LINDSTROM WILL SHINE!!! Gary Lindstrom knows the truth.&Gary Lindstrom's platform supports this...Not only is this hitting the booth; but there is one man running for Governor that supports this issue.Get to know Gary Lindstrom.Anyone running for Governor of Colorado that thinks it is ok to cage humans for using a God given plant will be exposed!This will now even effect who decides to run for Governor, because they will know up front they are going to get this question presented to them.When this question is presented to Gary, He knows enough about it that the opposition is going to come out looking real bad.THCUAnd to the farmers of Colorado, this is good news. If We can have cannabis with THC, then farmers in American should be able to grow hemp with out THC. Just like communist farmers...After all, it is time to re-introduce hemp as a component of American agriculture.Then some of those dollars that go to My local health food store for hemp seed oil, hemp seeds, hemp butter, hemp ice cream, on and on & dollars that go towar the few hemp clothes I have, will filter toward American farmers and not just exclusively foreign farmers.With the harm the Feds have done to the American Farmer; they will also support Gary and this iniative.Fair trade; right? World trade... but the American farmer is at a disadvantage...Just ask Willie Nelson.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by ekim on December 28, 2005 at 19:25:11 PT
Milton Friedman at 93 tells it like it needs to be
last nite the Charlie Rose show on PBS had Milton Friedman on.
Mr. Friedman stated that the drug war was harming many. He went on to say we are destroying vast amounts of land down in South America, because we have drug laws that we can not enforce. He said that the drugs will get in and nothing we can do will stop that. 
His solution is to legalize and regulate the market and make it a med matter. He said something else alcohol and tobacco they kill many more then all the illegal drugs put together.
http://www.leap.cc/events
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by FoM on December 28, 2005 at 16:28:44 PT
NORML Alert: Colorado Legalization Initiative
Colorado Legalization Initiative Proposed!   
    December 28, 2005 
 ** Please forward widely to friends, family, and colleagues in Colorado (and elsewhere). **Friends:Today, on the steps of the state capitol, the organization that successfully campaigned to make the possession of marijuana legal for adults under Denver's city ordinance announced that it is launching a statewide initiative campaign to accomplish the same goal in Colorado. NORML is pleased to inform you that we will be working closely with this campaign to help to make this goal a reality. We are starting that work today by urging our e-mail subscribers to visit http://www.safercolorado.org and to sign up to help the campaign.Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) will be spearheading the Colorado campaign. SAFER's primary mission is to educate the public that marijuana is less harmful -- both to the user and to society -- than alcohol.SAFER used this argument successfully during its campaign in Denver by highlighting the fact that alcohol often leads to domestic abuse, sexual assault, and other acts of violence. They noted that alcohol is the direct cause of nearly 20,000 deaths a year in the U.S., while the comparable figure for marijuana is zero. They even held a press conference outside of the mayor's office in Denver at which they called the popular brewpub-owning mayor a drug dealer and noted that he deals a more dangerous drug than marijuana. Denver voters responded to this message by passing the "Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative" with 54% of the vote. The passage of the initiative generated, and continues to generate, a significant amount of media coverage favorable to the cause of marijuana policy reform. Just yesterday, the Denver Post ran a long article about mothers in the city who use marijuana -- often instead of alcohol -- for recreation and/or relaxation.Like the Denver initiative, the Colorado initiative, if adopted, would eliminate all penalties for the private possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by individuals 21 years of age and older. Assuming the campaign -- with the help of people like you -- collects enough signatures to qualify the initiative for the ballot, the citizens of Colorado will vote on the measure on November 7, 2006.As SAFER takes its message across the state, NORML leadership will be there to share the wisdom and insights we have gleaned over more than 30 years of working toward marijuana policy reform. We will also introduce SAFER -- as we are doing here -- to many of our friends in the state who we know will be excited about their campaign. Together, we will fight to end the outrageous practice of punishing marijuana users for making a choice that is rational, safer, and normal.Please visit http://www.safercolorado.org today and volunteer to help the campaign.Warm Regards,Allen St. PierreExecutive DirectorNORML 
 
[ Post Comment ]

 


Comment #2 posted by FoM on December 28, 2005 at 16:14:29 PT

Related Article from The Associated Press
Marijuana Supporters Want Statewide Voters To Approve Private Use ***December 28, 2005Denver -- An advocacy group said Wednesday it will ask voters statewide to make it legal for adults to use small amounts of marijuana at home, drawing swift opposition from some lawmakers and prosecutors. Safer Alternatives For Enjoyable Recreation said will take its campaign statewide because Denver officials are using state laws to prosecute marijuana users, even though city voters approved a measure last fall that eases Denver’s drug ordinance. “If the elected officials in this city don’t have the guts to stand up for the individuals they represent, we have no choice but to take up the fight on behalf of these individuals,” said Mason Tvert, the group’s executive director. “That is why today we are launching a campaign to make the private adult use and possession of up to one ounce of marijuana legal under state statutes,” he said. Attorney General John Suthers and House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, said they would oppose the measure if it gets on the November 2006 ballot. “You would basically give people in Colorado a free pass,” Suthers said. “My personal opinion is that it’s not good public policy.” Tvert said there is no evidence marijuana use is harmful, but Suthers said it is not as safe as its advocates claim. “It’s not a benign drug,” Suthers said. Romanoff said Colorado already has one of the highest drug-use rates in the nation but ranks near the bottom for drug treatment. He said if the initiative passes, it could be tied up in courts for years. “This is a full employment act for lawyers,” Romanoff said. Tvert said he believes he can gather the 67,829 valid signatures to qualify for next year’s ballot and win voter approval. He said federal laws focus on distribution, not possession, and would not likely be used to prosecute personal marijuana consumption. Tvert also said he does not believe lawmakers would try to change the law back if voters agree to relax it. Home rule cities in Colorado, which represent about 90 percent of the population, could still pass their own laws regulating marijuana use, Tvert said. The other 10 percent would automatically be covered by the new state law. On the Net: SAFER Colorado: http://www.safercolorado.org/ Office of National Drug Control Policy: http://www.ondcp.gov/ Copyright: 2005 Associated Press
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #1 posted by FoM on December 28, 2005 at 15:35:09 PT

The New Initiative
I really hope they can gather enough signatures to do this. 
[ Post Comment ]





  Post Comment