cannabisnews.com: Drug Policy Initiatives





Drug Policy Initiatives
Posted by FoM on October 27, 2000 at 11:35:59 PT
Talk Back Live Chat At 3 PM ET Today
Source: CNN Talk Back Live
Drug policy initiatives are among the issues that voters will decide on in several states across the country on November 7th. Legalizing marijuana is a hot election topic in the state of Alaska. The citizen initiative, Proposition 5, would legalize marijuana use in Alaska for adults in private places and also legalize growing industrial hemp for products such as fuel. Supporters of the measure say it is a civil liberties issue and that the cannabis plant has been unfairly vilified. 
They say there are many beneficial uses for the hemp plant. Opponents of the measure say that it would turn Alaska into "Dope U.S.A." They say that it would turn the state into a haven for drug addicts. In November, California voters will decide where they stand on Proposition 36, the controversial criminal justice measure. Prop. 36 would change public policy on how drug offenders are treated in California's criminal justice system. Under the measure, nonviolent offenders convicted of possessing drugs for personal use would be placed on probation and in treatment programs paid for by the state. Those who sell or manufacture drugs would not qualify. If passed, the initiative would allocate $120 million a year for community-based treatment. Offenders who successfully complete their program could ask to have their convictions erased. If Prop. 36 passed, it would be the biggest public policy shift in the treatment of drug offenders since the three strikes drug laws were approved in 1994. Supporters of the measure say more money needs to be spent on prevention and treatment of people who are addicted rather than sending them to prison. Opponents of Prop. 36 say the initiative is little more than a "slap on the wrist" for drug offenders. Some opponent's also say the initiative would limit the power of judges who might want to impose prison time on certain drug abusers. A recent LA Times poll shows that 54% of Californians support the ballot measure. Where do you stand on these drug policy initiatives? Tune into TalkBack Live today as we discuss California's initiative, Prop. 36, and Alaska's initiative, Prop. 5. Talkback Live Chat, Monday - Friday, 3PM EThttp://www.cnn.com/chat/talkback.htmlSmarter Voter Guide on Prop. 36: http://www.smartvoter.org/2000/11/07/ca/state/prop/36/Hemp99 Petition:http://www.gov.state.ak.us/ltgov/elections/petitions/status.htm#99hemp
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on October 27, 2000 at 13:01:00 PT
CNN Transcripts: TalkBack Live
The chat was great with over 360 participating. I even saw a few familiar people in there. The transcripts will be available so I thought I should post the link.Note: This page is continually updated as new transcripts become available. If you cannot find a specific segment, check back later.http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/tl.html
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