cannabisnews.com: Question 2 Passes Muster of Q&A Claims Question 2 Passes Muster of Q&A Claims Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2008 at 09:48:54 PT By Clive McFarlane, T&G Staff Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette Massachusetts -- Question 2, the ballot initiative that seeks to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Massachusetts, has generated a number of claims and counterclaims on both sides of the issue.As an exercise to ease anxiety over tomorrow’s historic presidential election, let’s consider the validity of some of those claims. 1. The Worcester City Council supports Question 2. On the Web site - http://www.ballotpedia.org - under the heading, “Massachusetts Sensible Marijuana Policy Initiative, Question 2” proponents explained the law as representing “a break with current Massachusetts law, where people charged with marijuana possession face criminal penalties of up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, and a CORI report is filed.”They then noted that “On Tuesday, September 10th 2008, a city councilor in Worcester called for a vote on a measure to express the opposition by the city of Worcester to the initiative. The City Council rejected the measure by a 10-1 vote, with the only vote for the measure coming from the councilor that requested the vote.”What the proponents didn’t say, however, was that the vote was merely procedural.District 4 Councilor Barbara B. Haller did ask the council to vote in opposition to the ballot question, but District 5 Councilor William J. Eddy noted that Ms. Haller’s proposal was out of order because Question 2 was not an issue that was under the supervision of the local government.2. Many police officers support Question 2.Two retired Boston police officers, Lt. Tom Nolan and Sgt. Howard Donahue, appear in ads supporting Question 2, arguing that it would allow police officers to concentrate more resources on violent crimes.Of course, locally we have Shrewsbury Police Sgt. Ronald S. Benoit Jr., who found a large amount of marijuana, a scale and small Ziploc bags in a car occupied by six Shrewsbury High School students some time back. Sgt. Benoit charged the kids for the alcohol they were carrying, but declined to file charges on marijuana because he did not want to compromise their plans to attend college. I am not sure where Sgt. Benoit stands on Question 2, but his action in the above case speaks for itself.3. Question 2 is a ready-made business plan for drug dealers. It will empower drug dealers and make our communities more dangerous.Eleven states have passed laws similar to Question 2 and there is no evidence those states are experiencing increased marijuana use, or deterioration of law and order because of the laws.4. Use by teens is down, so why send the opposite message with Question 2?Use of marijuana by teenagers might be down, but many young people are using the drug and are getting in trouble with the law.One glance at the dozens of marijuana-related cases that were on the dockets of Worcester Central District and the Westboro District courts in October underscores that point. Just looking at possession or possession with the intent to distribute cases (excluded were marijuana cases involving other crimes such as armed robbery, assault, burglary, etc.) that were cleared in October, I counted 44.Of those cases, 31 involved defendants 17 to 23 years old.5. Question 2 would prevent instances of minor marijuana possession from adversely impacting a person’s ability to obtain a job, housing and school loans.Law enforcement officials say that virtually no one goes to jail for simple marijuana possession. First-time marijuana offenders, they say, receive six months probation, after which their record is sealed.My October statistics from the Worcester and the Westboro courts seem to bear that out.Only one of the 44 defendants was sentenced to jail, and he appeared to have been a dealer and a repeat offender.The rest of the cases were dismissed or continued without finding, most for six months. Fines ranging from $100 to $500 were leveled against the defendants6. Question 2 will result in more teenagers and adults driving high on marijuana.Question 2 does not make marijuana legal. It would maintain current penalties for selling, growing and trafficking in marijuana, as well as the prohibition against driving under the influence of marijuana. The law would also require additional penalties for minors not in current law, such as parental notification, a compulsory drug awareness program and 10 hours of community service.Question 2, then, appears to be a more reasonable approach to dealing with marijuana use.Of course, however you vote, if you are a parent, keep in mind that neither the current law nor Question 2 is a replacement for frank and timely discussions with your children on the use of marijuana.Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)Author: Clive McFarlane, T&G StaffPublished: Monday, November 3, 2008Copyright: 2008 Worcester Telegram & GazetteEmail: letters telegram.comWebsite: http://www.telegram.com/ Related Articles & Web Site:Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policyhttp://www.sensiblemarijuanapolicy.org/Voters To Consider Relaxing Marijuana Lawshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24279.shtmlSides Align Over Pot Decriminalization Questionhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24278.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #72 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 21:51:00 PT The Winds of Change Have just reached Hurricane force.Time to amp it up to category 5 strength.************Time has come today -The Chambers Brothershttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nuiIqMQ4sA [ Post Comment ] Comment #71 posted by ekim on November 04, 2008 at 20:49:03 PT yes good going FoM and many more>} [ Post Comment ] Comment #70 posted by aolbites on November 04, 2008 at 20:36:36 PT Congrats, Obama! and congrats to you FoM for helping to deliver Ohio!=) [ Post Comment ] Comment #69 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 20:29:11 PT A New Beginning I am really happy tonight and here's a big hug BGreen. The whole world knows that America has good people. That makes me feel at peace. [ Post Comment ] Comment #68 posted by BGreen on November 04, 2008 at 20:15:44 PT There is hope for America The United States as we've known it, the divided land controlled by hateful old white people, is forever over.Good f##% & riddance!This is the Country that Martin Luther King spoke about, the Country that was once only just a dream.I'm so happy and I wish I could give you a hug, FoM.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #67 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 20:14:20 PT Telephone ringing… McCain just called Obama to congratulate him [ Post Comment ] Comment #66 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 20:13:09 PT Yes, a win win win. Good.Gains in the Senate and the House too.There are plenty of messages in all this. [ Post Comment ] Comment #65 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 20:08:26 PT BGreen Doesn't it feel good! President Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States! We did it! Yippie! [ Post Comment ] Comment #64 posted by BGreen on November 04, 2008 at 20:00:50 PT President Obama!!!!! Oh My God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #63 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 19:51:33 PT This big win is for any and every cannabis patient/activist who has ever fought for freedom to use the herb!!!!By the way, we just kicked it up to 63%, topping all margins of victories in all MM states! The way we are going I think we could make it to 70%.Thanks Hope!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #62 posted by charmed quark on November 04, 2008 at 19:49:22 PT wow -mass decrim mentioned on TV definite win by huge margins, with 64% of precincts reporting it's 65-35 [ Post Comment ] Comment #61 posted by Hope on November 04, 2008 at 19:36:31 PT Whoo Hoo! Congratulations, Massachusetts, and Michigan!:0) [ Post Comment ] Comment #60 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 19:35:19 PT Reality Senior McCain Aide Tells CBS News, "We Need A Miracle" [ Post Comment ] Comment #59 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 19:22:49 PT Lookin Good. The Country, Michigan, MASS,And the icing on the cage will be if the other guy doesn't even win His own state. [ Post Comment ] Comment #58 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 19:12:06 PT We've already won here in MI, but let's keep rubbing it in. It's now 62% to 38%! It's looking like it's going to be the biggest margin of victory for a MM state ever! [ Post Comment ] Comment #57 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 19:11:33 PT Lookin’ for a leader??? Lookin’ for a leader???http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioQqUwuN4N4 [ Post Comment ] Comment #56 posted by charmed quark on November 04, 2008 at 19:05:44 PT Fat Lady can Begin Iowa and NM. It's over. Talking Richardson on short list for for Sec. State.How're the cannabis measures doing? [ Post Comment ] Comment #55 posted by charmed quark on November 04, 2008 at 19:04:11 PT Iowa! !!!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #54 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 18:53:53 PT Hey What’s That Sound!!! It’s the fat lady warming up... [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 18:42:17 PT Sam I'll smoke to that! [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 18:39:29 PT Sam I agree with that! [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by Sam Adams on November 04, 2008 at 18:38:55 PT congratulations all around Let 2008 be known as the year we voted for Obama and cannabis! [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 18:38:35 PT mykeyb420 Who is Karl Rove? LOL! I couldn't resist! Bye Bye Karl! [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by mykeyb420 on November 04, 2008 at 18:32:16 PT K Roves just said 6:30pm PST 11/4/2008 "That Obama wins Ohio,,and for McCain to win,,he needs to win California"My Friends,,,THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 18:29:17 PT Ohio Blue Ohio sounds so cool to me. We're winning everything! I feel like a kid in a candy store tonight! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on November 04, 2008 at 18:26:35 PT This map shows what states are called... both for who and by which -http://www.pollster.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by BGreen on November 04, 2008 at 18:24:02 PT Hooray, FoM! Hooray, Ohio! Come on, Missouri!The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 18:23:35 PT 194-124 after Ohio win He is getting close!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on November 04, 2008 at 18:22:09 PT Fox calls Ohio for Obama! That might be it! [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 18:20:51 PT MSNBC's Election Map http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032553 [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 18:19:35 PT Florida turns Blue Republican Governor Charlie Crist is called back to Tallahassee from victory party for an important meeting.Hhmmm…. [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by charmed quark on November 04, 2008 at 18:10:07 PT Pennsylvania called for Obama This means McCain is probably toast. If Obama wins Virginia, it'll probably be a landslide. [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 18:09:38 PT Lead getting bigger 60%-40%Oh YEAAAH! [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by Sam Adams on November 04, 2008 at 18:09:10 PT It's over: Decrim in Mass It's over here, 13% in and we're winning 65 to 35! I see that Michigan has bounced up to 60 to 40!! yes!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on November 04, 2008 at 18:09:09 PT MPP calls Michigan a WIN!!! http://www.mpp.org/library/2008-ballot-initiatives.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 18:04:59 PT I think I may begin to tear up when I see that first article. We're up 38,000 - 31,000 as of right now. Things are looking good! [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 18:04:19 PT Florida 45% reportingObama by 5% [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 18:04:18 PT popular vote Obama is leading again in the pop vote.Plus it looks like West Virginia is red but Obama is leading now and it may change.-0-Mass is doing it with Q2 Yeah Sam Adams [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 17:59:14 PT The GCW Most states are red that have been called. We haven't gotten to Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington State and California. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by Sam Adams on November 04, 2008 at 17:57:02 PT yippee! 6% in and we're winning huge! 66 to 34! re: the popular vote: don't worry, remember, the west coast votes last! [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 17:55:35 PT fight_4_freedom That is great news. I'll post an article when one is posted after you win. The same with Sam. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 17:55:05 PT Popular vote Obama is falling behind in the popular vote8,987,969 to 9,078,135 http://election.cbsnews.com/election2008/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 17:50:05 PT We are winning!!!! 55% - 45% right now. It's early, only 2% in, but it's a dang good start.Boy this is awesome! [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 17:44:58 PT Alright SaM!!!!! You got me all excited now! I'm going to check our tally right now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 17:44:52 PT Sam That is great! I was afraid that it wouldn't pass. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by sam adams on November 04, 2008 at 17:41:13 PT 2 percent in! and we're up big: 67 to 33! http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/election_results/ma_localquestions/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 17:41:05 PT Electoral votes Electoral votesObama 102 to 54 for the other guy [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 17:39:25 PT Dole I love it when I see these drug warriors fall on their swords.Karma works [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 17:37:39 PT Yes Dole! PackLeave [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 17:33:33 PT CNN Elizabeth Dole is out!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 17:30:27 PT CNN projects Obama wins New Jersey, Illinois, Connecticut; McCain takes South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee.Watch live coverage now on http://CNN.com/Live [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 17:29:47 PT There coming in Obama wins VermontMcCain wins Kentucky -- Though Democrats heavily outnumber Republicans in Kentucky, most of the state's voters sided with Republican John McCain instead of Democrat Barack Obama for president. & West Virginia [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 17:23:23 PT South Carolina & Pennsylvania MSNBC is calling South Carolina a win for McCainand is calling Pennsylvania for ObamaNBC News declares Barack Obama the projected winner in Pennsylvania. Unless another blue state flips to Republican hands, McCain now must win every remaining battleground state to overtake Obama. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 16:09:13 PT BGreen He must win. I've been disappointed too but not this time. This is our time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by BGreen on November 04, 2008 at 16:06:29 PT I feel so excited yet vulnerable I don't want to be let down because it's happened too many times in my life and it always hurts way too much.Good luck to all of those with cannabis issues on the ballot!FoM, I'm with you in spirit. I know this is important to you, too, and it will mean a lot to me to see you not get let down.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Sam Adams on November 04, 2008 at 15:47:23 PT polls close soon! thanks for the positive thoughts, good luck in Michigan, f4f, I hope we have a new record for medical MJ approval! What is the previous high, 62% I think?Won't be long now, I think the polls close at 8 and the first results will be appearing soon after.In past years, usually the first few reports of votes are very close to the final total. I predict the MJ votes will improve as the night goes on though - all the type A people probably voted earlier in the day.I'm not even worrying about Obama - I think he's in! We'll know everything within the next several hours. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on November 04, 2008 at 15:16:21 PT I voted! I hope for the 1st time in my life that I voted for the next President of the United States!I have no idea why my Mom's O/B sign was taken, and it didn't really make me mad, but it was pretty much the last straw to convince me to vote for every Democrat on the ballot, and vote against a Republican supported amendment. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by CanadianGanjaman on November 04, 2008 at 13:49:06 PT Sinsemilla... Youd be surprized about some of the reasons people take obama signs...Some people take the signs to put them on their own lawns.. i have personal experience with this... it is a perhaps that the theft of your sign was but ones need to represent their candidate, without funds ... or willpower ( being lazy ) to get one themselves? [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by Hope on November 04, 2008 at 11:51:58 PT Comment 11 Might be time to purchase that surveillance camera for the yard!Or just lurk... til you catch the miscreants.That makes me so mad. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by Hope on November 04, 2008 at 11:39:08 PT Comment 10 Sensimilla Jones Lol! [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on November 04, 2008 at 11:38:12 PT FoM Unfortunately, the Crimson Tide aint turning, lol.At least no one threatened my Mom, but her Obama sign did vanish the other night, though it stayed up for a couple of weeks.I'm feeling pretty good about the country as a whole, but still cautiously optimistic and optimistically cautious.I just hope the GOP Trust's putting Rev. Wright on TV all day yesterday and today doesn't work. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 11:23:49 PT Sinsemilla Jones Our one friend called this morning from our local town. We gave him a Obama yard sign and it made him happy. It wasn't long until he got a knock at the door and said he better take the sign down since there are threats of burning down houses if people have an Obama sign. He took it down but went to vote for Obama today and got other people to vote for Obama! I say the Tide is Turning. They don't scare me anymore. Barack Obama - The Tide Is Turninghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s9ubMQX7WE [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on November 04, 2008 at 11:14:31 PT Just a reminder to all McCain supporters - You don't vote till tomorrow.Same goes for anyone voting against any marijuana legislation. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 11:06:57 PT Here's Are The Current Polls http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 11:05:39 PT Hope The other day my husband asked what if McCain wins. I said I won't think about it. We are going to win. If Senator Obama doesn't win then every poll is wrong. They can't all be wrong. Kerry and Bush were much closer. Hang in there. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by Hope on November 04, 2008 at 10:54:40 PT Big day... I kind of feel like I could tend to be like the SNL skit lady that gets so flicked out about "Surprises".Oh my gosh! It's so exciting! Oh my gosh!I can't do it though... as Obama says, 'Neither too high (when things are good) or too low (when they aren't so good)'.I hate disappointment... so I'm going in prepared to deal with it... but I hope I'll be dealing with the surprise I want.Oh my gosh!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 09:05:45 PT Sam Good luck to you today! [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 09:05:36 PT I sure hope it passes for you Sam I'm keeping my fingers crossed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Sam Adams on November 04, 2008 at 08:58:55 PT Here We Go I just voted - YES on Question 2. I can hardly wait until the polls close tonight - will it be agony or ecstasy? [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Hope on November 04, 2008 at 08:33:10 PT "Save our children from the drug warriors!" Amen and amen!Always on my mind. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by afterburner on November 04, 2008 at 08:17:47 PT Youth Substitutes Alcohol, Pills & Powders for Pot "4. Use by teens is down, so why send the opposite message with Question 2?Use of marijuana by teenagers might be down, but many young people are using the drug and are getting in trouble with the law."Not only that, many teenagers and young adults are substituting alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs for cannabis because of the current laws. Abuse of legal alcohol by binge drinking by youth is a serious side effect of the draconian laws prohibiting cannabis. Diversion of legal prescription drugs, to avoid drug testing and with the perception that legal drugs are safer, is another serious side effect of the war on cannabis. Although the numbers are small in comparison to cannabis, illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin and meth ensnare some youth: the punitive approach to drug use/abuse interferes with efforts at prevention and treatment for these young people. Social stigma prevents some addicts from seeking help eventhough the root causes of their addiction may lie in undiagnosed and untreated physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse by peers or authority figures. Save our children from the drug warriors! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by The GCW on November 04, 2008 at 06:36:53 PT Stop locking people up for using natural plant US MA: PUB LTE: Stop locking people up for using natural plantOf all the people who lie about cannabis, law enforcement officials are the worst (Officials Decry Decriminalization Measure, Oct. 23rd edition of The Herald News).Even government studies discredit the “gateway” theory from the very first sentence!Truth is, cannabis prohibition and dishonest police who perpetuate it are more harmful than the relatively safe God-given plant itself. It’s time to stop caging responsible adults for using cannabis.S. W. Dillon, ColoradoPubdate: 30 Oct. 2008Source: Herald News, The (Fall River, MA)http://www.heraldnews.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/x1157502895/LETTER-Stop-locking-people-up-for-using-natural-plant-10-30-08Referred: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n963/a08.html?1078Coming soon to MAP [ Post Comment ] Post Comment