The Oregon Secretary of State has certified a petition that proposes legalizing and taxing the sale of marijuana across the state. The measure, which bears resemblance to others Oregon voters have rejected over the past few decades, could be included on this year's ballot if enough signatures are gathered by July 2nd.
Over 35 years ago, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize the use of cannabis products. Possession of one ounce or less became punishable by a simple fine followed by further changes with the passage of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act in 1998. With an upcoming ballot measure in California that could go one step further and actually legalize and tax marijuana sales gaining national attention, some Oregonians are eager to keep their state at the forefront of progressive legislation.
While a "pot tax" is being considered in several states — including the entire West Coast — as a source of revenue to bolster struggling state economies, the Oregon chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is working to gather the nearly 83,000 needed signatures in order to put the far-reaching measure on the November ballot. The proposed initiative would allow state permits under which individuals could legally cultivate and use marijuana. A structure of state-run stores would be put in place to sell the drug to adults with an estimated 90% of total proceeds going toward Oregon's general fund.
More information can be found at the Oregon Secretary of State's website.
UPDATE: The kick-off meeting for the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act's signature drive and tour of the state was held Sunday with a large gathering of supporters in Portland. John Trudell will be traveling the state to raise awareness of the issues. A tour schedule and petition download are available at the OCTA website.
Oregonian efforts to legalize marijuana
Comments
The opponents truly have no legs to stand on. If marijuana was taxed (at a reasonable rate) and regulated, the price would plummet, which would, in all likelihood, push them right out of the blackmarket, just as happened after alcohol prohibition was repealed. Cartels are in this business now because it's so incredibly profitable and because the gov't has completely ceded the market to criminals. Taxation and regulation would pull the rug out from under them and take away their largest market.
The argument that we wouldn't get as much tax revenue as advertised is also probably wrong. A more accurate comparison would not be growing tomatoes in your backyard, it would be brewing your own beer. Sure, people can do it, but most people have neither the time nor inclination to do so when they could purchase a better produce readily and easily.
Those who support continued marijuana prohibition better come up with some better arguments before November.
Let's get this done..finally! Most arguments truly have two sides that at least have some merit. But I just can't see any for this. Opponents are still falling back to the "What about the kids" or other generalized "half-baked" arguments. The facts are quite simple: As long as alcohol is legal, I really see no way to defend an argument that marijuana is/would be any more harmful. Kids have a lot tougher time getting alcohol then they do getting marijuana. When we hand over an economy to the black market we have no control over it. Outlawing something DOES NOT stop people from doing it. That's a fact. Why are we allowing criminals to profit from something so harmless otherwise? So please: Don't try to make this a health issue, or a "Save the Kids" issue or a "We just don't know the effects" issue. You like to drink a couple beers, you don't drink and drive, and don't bother anyone else. Let me smoke a joint in the company of other adults.. Don't worry, I won't force you to take a hit!
I beg you all to consider the proposal for legalization or marijuana.
I live in Mexico where over 18000 people have died in the drug war and over 2000 so far in this year.
The proposal to legalize marijuana can help to diminish the power of drug cartels.
I know that this is not a simple issue but please take in to account a pledge from your neightbour. You know the tool that a war can take on a country... please help us. Be human even before being American.
there was a interview on the O-Reily factor today and the lady giving the interview thought the guy was dumb and spewing out lies and barely giving him a chance to respond, it is some publicity but it doesn't necessarily help the cause. but go west coast lets start this
Free the weed!
@Ocheck - I believe you're referring to this interview -- video.foxnews.com/v/4142797/pro-pot-people-push-for-palin/?playlist_id=86923. The woman conducting the interview repeatedly cuts off her guest and makes statements that he obviously sees as false before stating "Even you would agree with that!" She clearly has no respect for the man she is interviewing or his opinions.
@Totem - That is absolutely one of the primary arguments made for legalization and the only one that I can find that doesn't seem to have anyone arguing. If there is any sensible criticism of the "It would save lives" argument, I would love to read and analyze it but I have not seen a single attempt at refuting it as of yet.
@Justin and Mike - First let me say that I totally see your points on this. However, I strive to be objective and make every attempt to find any bit of merit on both sides of each argument (I respect that it sounds like you both have made a concerted effort to have a balanced view as well).
As I mentioned to Totem, there are some arguments that seem to go without rebuttal completely. I also think even critics of the proposed measure have to admit that some of the other points are pretty weak. I have no desire for a filibuster in public debate but I don't have a problem with some discussion either.
At the very least there is a valuable debate going on between proponents and critics regarding the expected tax revenue versus the possible increased health and public safety costs of expanded marijuana use. Whether you and I agree with one side or the other, both groups are making valid arguments that provide a healthy debate on at least this one point.
Maybe better to just give up and cash out of life. I mean, this country will NEVER be close to free. Legalize weed? I brew my own beer. Let's get real. Do you realize that I am in violation of the Halsted Act (prohibition)? There is a limit of 100 gallons/adult, to a max of 2 per household, per year. I brew more than that. 80 years later. THAT is how screwed the system is.
If you want change we're going to have to have a Constitutional Congress that leads to parliamentary democracy. Otherwise, anything that doesn't get 50% + 1 magic vote in support, is a non-reality. You can have 100 million Americans support something, but without the magic 1 vote, it's a big zero. That only breeds extremism. Time to grow up. Yes, I know it will not happen in my life. So why hang around?
@ Bryan (partially)
The tax revenue issue...I've heard opponents state that any tax revenue that's collected will be outpaced by the public health costs. What about the costs of other drugs, including alcohol? I have this sneaking suspicion that many individuals will discover that they would rather use cannabis over those other intoxicants, especially alcohol. Those who chronically ingest intoxicants aren't necessarily drawn by a specific substance.
As long as cannabis is prohibited, people will shy away from it even if it is the safest alternative. This is especially true since it can be detected months after discontinuation. Why not allow the drug that will do the least harm to society and the body?
The most costly part of cannabis use is likely trips to the ER that turn out to be unnecessary. Sometimes people think they're having heart attacks or what have you. For the most part, it will not cause chronic, long-term medical conditions.
On another note, the crime that surrounds
...On another note, the crime that surrounds cannabis is not due to its psychoactive effects but stem from the inflated price under prohibition. Once price is regulated, the suburban drug gangs will be broke! The market for hard drugs isn't that large and cannabis consumers will not come into contact with those drugs, further reducing their share of the drug market.
"I beg you all to consider the proposal for legalization or marijuana.
I live in Mexico where over 18000 people have died in the drug war and over 2000 so far in this year.
The proposal to legalize marijuana can help to diminish the power of drug cartels.
I know that this is not a simple issue but please take in to account a pledge from your neightbour. You know the tool that a war can take on a country... please help us. Be human even before being American."
This this this this this this this this this. Can people post this in other places?
lolz man all these suburban drug gangs will have to go find real jobs???? awwwwwwww poor kiddo's hahahahaha sounds like SUUUUUUUUUCH a bad things *insert sarcasm here*
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