cannabisnews.com: Voters Dump Pot Proposition 2-to-1





Voters Dump Pot Proposition 2-to-1
Posted by FoM on November 08, 2000 at 12:04:15 PT
By Larry Campbell And Liz Ruskin
Source: Anchorage Daily News
Marijuana proponents were taking a hard hit from voters who were rejecting the proposition that not only would have legalized the drug for adults, but would have opened jail doors and urged restitution for marijuana offenders. With about half the precincts reporting, the measure was failing by a nearly 2-to-1 ratio. But supporters hadn't given up victory. "We knew it'd be uphill," said Al Anders, chairman of Free Hemp in Alaska. "At least we got the chance to educate voters that the Ravin decision is still the law, and all these small marijuana busts are unconstitutional." 
Anders was referring to a 1975 Alaska Supreme Court opinion that found marijuana so innocuous that the government had no business pursuing adults for possessing limited amounts in private. Some voters, like accountant Peter Barber, 29, said they likely would have voted for a stripped down hemp legalization law. But this initiative went too far."They went for the moon," Barber said."I don't see pot being any different than tobacco or alcohol. But going back in time, letting people out of jail and paying restitution just doesn't make sense." Voter Randy Parker shared that view. "The proposal was very poorly written," Parker said. "To let people out of prison is wrong. To reimburse people who committed crimes is wrong." Others, like Pat Alcantra, a 70-year-old grandmother from Palmer, said marijuana should be regulated like tobacco and alcohol. "Liquor is so much worse," she said. "If a man gets drunk, he beats his wife. If he smokes marijuana, he eats her dinner. (Pot) should be legalized and controlled." The initiative would have removed all criminal and civil penalties for adults at least 18 years old who grow, sell or possess marijuana. But it would do more than just legalize cannabis. It would free people in jail for marijuana crimes that are no longer illegal and convene an advisory panel to study the feasibility of making restitution to them. It would destroy all criminal records of marijuana offenders. It would prohibit marijuana testing in some employment circumstances. Passage of the initiative would not make a difference to federal law enforcement officials. Marijuana would remain an illegal substance under federal law. Opponents of the measure argued that the initiative would send the wrong message to kids, make marijuana more readily available and lead to an increase in abuse of hard drugs. "I have kids and I hate to think of my kids turning 18 and getting a hold of something like that," said Kara Denevan, 29, of Palmer. The No on 5 campaign had been outspent more than five to one, despite a $50,000 contribution from the campaign of U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski, R-Anchorage, in late October. BP Exploration and Phillips Alaska gave the campaign $5,000 apiece. Proponents fell into a number of camps. Free Hemp in Alaska, the most visible of the three Anchorage-based groups working for passage of Prop. 5, has focused on what it said were the victims of marijuana prohibition. Anders said the ban harshly punishes marijuana users and growers and keeps harmless people in "concrete cages" at great public expense. It reported in its most recent campaign disclosure report a $50,000 contribution from an Indiana philanthropist and $25,000 in contributions from a man in San Francisco. Hemp 2000, which splintered from Free Hemp early in the campaign, is concentrating on the industrial uses of hemp, a nonintoxicating form of cannabis. Hemp 2000 supporters said hemp would thrive in Mat-Su fields and could be made into lumber, fuel, carpet, plastic and more. Hemp 2000 attracted some huge contributions, including $65,000 from an Arizona art dealer and a company in London that gave $25,000. Yet another pro-Prop. 5 group, Alaskans for Privacy, was comprised mainly of lawyers who defended the notion of privacy embodied in the Ravin decision. Its contributions include $45,000 from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and $29,000 from a former Microsoft millionaire. Two years ago voters decided 59 percent to 41 percent to legalize medical marijuana for sick people. Reporter Larry Campbell can be reached at: lcampbell adn.com and reporter Liz Ruskin can be reached at: lruskin adn.com Reporters S.J. Komarnitsky and Rosemary Shinohara contributed to this story. CUTLINE: Mike Boylan acknowledges the honking horns of motorists Tuesday evening as he and daughter Lisa Boylan work the intersection of Northern Lights Boulevard and Minnesota Drive. Complete Title: Voters Dump Pot Proposition 2-to-1 in Early Vote CountingSource: Anchorage Daily News (AK)Author: Larry Campbell And Liz RuskinPublished: November 8, 2000Copyright: 2000 The Anchorage Daily News Contact: letters adn.com Website: http://www.adn.com/ Related Articles & Web Sites:Free Hemp in AlaskaAl Anders, Chair2603 Spenard RoadAnchorage, Alaska 99503 (907) 278-HEMP E-mail: freehempinak gci.netVisit their web site: http://www.freehempinak.orgHemp 2000R.L. Marcy, ChairP.O. Box 90055Anchorage, AK 99509907-376-2232 (p)Fax: 907-376-0530 (f)E-mail: marcy hemp2000.orgVisit their web site: http://www.hemp2000.org Alaskans Can End Wrong, Ineffective Marijuana Banhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7476.shtmlHemp At The Root of Radio Ad Battlehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7467.shtmlPot Helps With Epilepsy http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7459.shtml
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Comment #21 posted by JIMMY on December 25, 2000 at 18:29:47 PT
poy
I think one more reason pot i not legal everyone that chould have voated foe it has been behind bars at one time so thay cant voat NO.2 the guv makes money on it so thay cankeep there ass in more money NO.3thay let someone sell it make bank and take so thay dont look bad its all bullNO.4its keeps the poor poor so ther is a work force to pay to get out of jill smart fucking people thay dont work its just a new kind of deller called the the GUV you know more then half the U.S. smoke it shit NO.4 whats going on NO.5 lets stop it worng worng worng we all need to be cool.
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Comment #20 posted by jalien on November 21, 2000 at 19:54:39 PT
high time
as kaptinemo said in "too much to swallow"what a lot to try for in one swoopeven though it smacks of justicei live in new zealand and was looking forward to a positive result as a major precidentbut if i had know the extent of the proposali'm pretty sure i would have thought "NO WAY!"& lamented the lack of strategic thinking39% though is a remarkable result considering. . .high time for change
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Comment #19 posted by kaptinemo on November 09, 2000 at 09:53:50 PT:
Too much to swallow
Friends, you'll pardon me if I say...I told you so.I'd mentioned several times before that one of the greatest sticking points on ending the WoSD would be the prison release/restitution issue. If this measure had past, it would have signalled the end of not only drug prohibition, but would have triggered an avalanche of lawsuits. The treasuries of the entire Union, at local, State and Federal levels, would be emptied of funds in the span of a year.Never mind the fact it would be the *morally right* thing to do for the prisoners of this insane war; never mind the continued damage to our society from having relatively harmless people locked up and murderers set free on parole because the potheads take up so much space; never mind that a sizable portion of organized crime could be wiped out literally overnight. (I'm not just spouting off, here. If drug legalization were to happen *quickly*, with little warning, organized crime could well see its' foundations shattered. Diversification of drug purchased assets would become almost impossible; this requires a lot of time to prepare. Not only that, but La Cosa Nostra doesn't maintain huge warehouses full of coke; the danger of that would be too obvious. Nope, it is like a common garden variety grocery store; it has only enough 'stock' on hand to sell quickly, and no more. If the price drops precipitously, then their latest shipment becomes worse than a loss. Because what can they do with pounds of suddenly devalued junk? Sell it to the authority that will be taking over the regulation and distibution? too many questions to be asked, no?)Nope, the graniteheads of the world are afraid to let people out of prison who have legitimate gripes. But this release will have to take place someday. The sooner that they are released, the less damage may actually accrue to the various governmental bodies by possibly (understandably) vengeful people. Yes, it was a brave, bold move. It put the ideas in the minds of many who would not normally have given it a moment's thought. It forced people to re-examine their own prejudices (sadly, the lesson seems to be lost on far too many people there; they don't see by their reactions that they *have* prejudices against unjust imprisonment...until they, themselves, wind up on the short, sharp and dirty end of the stick).But it was premature. But we are getting closer, bit by bit, to The Day. Keep on keepin' on, friends; we're getting there.
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Comment #18 posted by freedom fighter on November 09, 2000 at 08:10:58 PT
Just a thought
We all in our own state should get start with this legalization. I was sad when Alaskans decided to keep people in prisons for growing simple plants. The ballot had nothing to do with cannabis but about the prisoners. That issue confused alot of folks. Right now the antis are gloating and are saying that they hope pot is strong enough so we would forget to do another one in next 4 yrs. This tells me he is afraid that we will come back in full force!
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Comment #17 posted by Kanabys on November 09, 2000 at 05:40:20 PT
I agree....
that if the Medicino county initiative passed, that a scaled back Alaska initiative would have also passed.
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Comment #16 posted by Caleb Fuller on November 08, 2000 at 21:37:02 PT:
39% is a significant minority
39% for61% againstA considerable minority support for what must seem to SOME people totally radical, extreme, even dangerous.I think this proposition was fair and just, the minimum I think would be fair...But of course, most people are conditioned to think a certain way...Most of the comments I read around the web from people voting "No" centered around the release of prisoners and payment of restitution... I think had the measure only tried to legalize, and gone no further, it MIGHT just have passed.It wouldn't be total justice, but it would still be beyond many people's wildest dreams!The tide HAS turned. Get Up, Stand Up! Don't give up the Fight.
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Comment #15 posted by mungojelly on November 08, 2000 at 20:52:43 PT:
time for some spin
Since spin is what's in the air, how about some pro-legalization spin on these election results: - There has never (to my knowledge) been a marijuana legalization initiative of this character on any ballot in the United States. Decriminalization has gone back and forth, but an initiative calling for licensed cannabis retailers is a significant milestone. - "2-to-1 ratio" is not an accurate description of these results. The statistics I have show 39% for, 61% against. Two times 39 is 78. - The vote tallies I have from CNN (with 97% of precincts reporting) show 89,851 votes in favor of this measure and 137,737 opposing it. This means that there were (and are) only 23,943 votes standing between us and fully legalized marijuana in a state of the union. Such a slim margin for error does not put the drug war establishment in a comfortable position; it certainly does not represent any sort of clear mandate for vigorous enforcement of cannabis laws. - I hope and expect that this is not the last time we will see marijuana legalization on the Alaskan ballot. 
mungojelly
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Comment #14 posted by edit on November 08, 2000 at 20:00:23 PT
No on 5 campaign 
The No on 5 campaign had been outspent more than five to one, despite a $50,000 contribution from the campaign of U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski, R-Anchorage, in late October. BP Exploration and Phillips Alaska gave the campaign $5,000 apiece. 
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Comment #13 posted by nl5x on November 08, 2000 at 19:58:56 PT
BP Exploration and Phillips Alaska 
BP Exploration and Phillips Alaska gave the campaign $5,000 apieceBP Exploration Chemical activitiesBP Exploration is one of the largest integrated oil companies in the world, operating in 100 countries, on six continents, and serving 10 million customers every day throughout the world. For detailed information about our chemicals activities, select a business unit from the list below. http://www.bp.com/chemicals/who/default.asphttp://www.bp.com/default.aspPhillips AlaskaMarch 15, 2000: 8:03 p.m. ETNEW YORK (CNNfn) - Phillips Petroleum Co. agreed Wednesday to buy Atlantic Richfield Co.'s oil-producing assets in Alaska for $7 billion, clearing away a top concern of federal officials who had sought to block BP Amoco's $27 billion buyout of Arco for antitrust reasons.In its lawsuit, the FTC charged the merger would give the combined company too large a stake -- about 75 percent of the total current total output -- in the Alaskan oil fields.http://cnnfn.cnn.com/2000/03/15/deals/arco/hemp Plant "biomass" fuel is cleaner than fossil fuels and can provide gasoline, methane, charcoal, etc. to meet all our home and industrial energy needs. By developing hemp, the most productive energy crop for America's climate, we can have fuel that is both cheaper and cleaner. Fuel is not synonymous with petroleum and coal. Biomass energy systems can supply a sustainable source of fuel and will create millions of new clean jobs. Hemp biomass derived fuels and oils can replace every type of fossil fuel energy product.http://www.jackherer.com/page6.htmKeroGreen. This was a pot-powered vehicle -- a "Hempmobile." In the tank were four gallons of KeroGreen, a fuel made from hemp seed oil, donated by a man in Ohio see:http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread7455.shtml
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on November 08, 2000 at 19:28:04 PT
My 2 cents
I believe that when I first saw " making restitution " in the articles on Prop 5. I had my doubts but kept my hopes up. Voters are afraid when they see something like that because we know about how high some law suits have gone and it might have scared them into a no vote or not voting on the Proposition at all. At least that's my opinion. 
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Comment #11 posted by MikeEEEEE on November 08, 2000 at 19:11:15 PT
Had my doubts
Maybe too far too soon.They're not ready yet.
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Comment #10 posted by master on November 08, 2000 at 18:37:44 PT:
legalize
legalize the herbs, but don't let people out of jail. if u did the crime u got 2 do the time. people should be able 2 release stress with out the fear of going 2 jail 4 it. u smoke u feel good u drink u feel rage .
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Comment #9 posted by BOB on November 08, 2000 at 18:02:20 PT
damn!!!
i felt so good about its chances, even though it was kind of a big bite to take at once. this is only one of the many battles to come. one day we WILL be able to medicate and relieve the stress of the daily grind. i for one will continue to hold my head high in the face of persecution. they cannot keep us down forever.
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Comment #8 posted by drew on November 08, 2000 at 17:29:29 PT:
GO!!!
HEY MAN THE VOTERS ARENT GANA GO THAT FAR THE FIRST TIME YOU GATA GO IN SMALL INCRAMENTS FIRST TRY TO LEGALIZE IT FOR POSESSION OF A CERTAIN AMOUNT THEN START GOING FOR THE JAIL ETC.. DONT GIVE UP MAN IF YOU KEEP BRINGIN THE HEAT THERE BOUND TO GIVE IN!!! LEGALIZE IT!!
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Comment #7 posted by Kanabys on November 08, 2000 at 16:48:08 PT
Some "people" really are STUDID!!!!
>>"I have kids and I hate to think of my kids turning 18 and getting a hold of something like that," said Kara Denevan, 29, of Palmer. Oh, so I guess it's OK for them to go get smashed on Alky, huh? Sheesh, some people never cease to amaze me!!!The Weed of the Gods
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Comment #6 posted by Morgan on November 08, 2000 at 15:13:40 PT
Patience...
...Beware the fury of a patient man...John Dryden********************
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Comment #5 posted by AOCP on November 08, 2000 at 14:19:49 PT:
Legalizeit has it right
This was just too much to ask for in one bite. How hard would it be for any cop to convince joe sixpack that the backers of this prop. just want to let "druggies" out of jail (bad enough), but ALSO want to offer them their hard-earned tax dollars (horrors!)? Not very hard, lemme tell ya. Smaller steps next time. Hell, we didn't even get our initiative on the ballot, here in MI. Alaska did. We're moving in a steady, upward trajectory. Keep the faith.
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Comment #4 posted by ras james RSIFWH on November 08, 2000 at 14:02:23 PT
"...have the right..."
as bob marley said, "Now you see the light. Stand up for your right. Never give up the fight"...&..."herb is so good for everything...&..."cannabis is the Healing of the Nations." REV 22: 1&2 tells us the signs to watch for ...a time when a plant will manifest as THE TREE OF LIFE..."it shall bears fruit each month of the year on both sides of the street"; then REV VII:14 tells us "BLESSED ARE THEY WHO WASH THEIR ROBES SO AS TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE; AND ENTER THE CITY OF GOD THROUGH ITS GATES." since now is the time when cannabis sativa is bearing fruit (achenes) on both sides of america's city streets, those in alaska who worked and fought so hard to "free the weed" have ...WITHOUT A DOUBT...washed their robes and have earned the right to entered the CITY OF GOD. let us, THE ALL, give praise and thanks to JAH RASTAFARI...for ALSO now is the time when even those who haven't earned the right, like ras james and many others, have entered the CITY OF GOD by the GRACE of the LORD JESUS which is the FATHER'S final JUDGEMENT in the BOOK OF REVELATION...THANK YOU LORD OF LORDS...for now is the eternal JUDGEMENT.
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Comment #3 posted by leagalizeit on November 08, 2000 at 13:13:50 PT
Too much, too soon
I was rooting for this prop. It would have been the strongest voice yet against prohibition.But, the margin was only 59 percent to 41 percent for MMJ two years ago (not an overwhelming landslide), so Alaskans in general still seem to be buying a lot of the Reefer Madness gibberish although at least a majority showed compassion for the ill.I can see where people would be concerned with the restitution/compensation part. Although it is a highly unjust, irrational and racist law it, is still a law, and retroactive compensation goes a bit far for many people who feel that breaking any law is a moral issue.Nice try, though, and it did get the idea out on the DEAland stage of what full legalization would entail.We are winning, but we can't have the whole enchilada all at once! 60 years of lies and propaganda, much of which is still ongoing, takes time to reverse.
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Comment #2 posted by Chrome on November 08, 2000 at 13:10:10 PT
Next time.....
If you wouldn't have wanted it all, it's almost certain to have passed... Oh well, live and learn.. You got'em next time. Free The Weed!
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Comment #1 posted by TroutMask on November 08, 2000 at 12:47:59 PT
Better luck next time!
Maybe try just for decrim next time???
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