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posted by martyb on Saturday June 01 2019, @11:53PM   Printer-friendly
from the pot-for-every-chicken dept.

Illinois Becomes 11th State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Illinois lawmakers voted to legalize recreational marijuana, becoming the 11th U.S. state to do so and bolstering Governor J.B. Pritzker's efforts to shore up the finances of the cash-strapped state.

The House of Representatives Friday passed the measure that allows the purchase and possession of cannabis by those who are 21 and older starting in 2020. The Senate approved the bill on Wednesday. Pritzker, who took office in January, had made legalization a key platform in his campaign and said soon after the legislation passed that he will sign it. The billionaire Democrat's budget proposal for the year that starts July 1 included an estimated $170 million from the sale of producer licenses.

Illinois joins a growing movement to end the prohibition of the drug: ten other states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational pot in the past seven years, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Illinois's move follows Michigan, potentially creating a hub in the Midwest after efforts to legalize in New Jersey and New York stalled earlier this year.

Vermont was the first state to legalize cannabis through an act of the legislature. Illinois is now the second state.

Also at Chicago Tribune.

See also: llinois state lawmaker uses eggs to demonstrate 'your brain on drugs'
Legalizing marijuana is a victory for freedom in Illinois

Previously: Vermont Legislature Passes Cannabis Legalisation Bill
Following Years of Opposition, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Plans Cannabis Legalization


Original Submission

Related Stories

Vermont Legislature Passes Cannabis Legalisation Bill 14 comments

The Burlington Free Press, via USA Today, reports that Vermont's legislature has approved a bill to legalise cannabis for recreational use. The bill has not been signed by the state's governor, Republican Phil Scott. According to the article

Vermont's bill, which would legalize small amounts of marijuana possession in 2018 and anticipate the possibility of a taxed and regulated legal marijuana market, was approved in the Vermont House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon by a vote of 79-66. The state Senate already passed the bill, so it will go directly to GOP Gov. Phil Scott.

Eight states — Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington — and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana following a voter referendum, but no state yet has legalized marijuana solely through the legislative process, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Legalization advocates said bills were pending in other state legislatures.

"I think it reflects that Vermont elected officials are more in touch with our constituents than a lot of elected officials in other states," said Vermont Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, a member of the Vermont Progressive Party who has worked on marijuana issues for the majority of his political career. "I think the public is ahead of us, but elected officials tend to be cautious when it comes to change."


Original Submission

Politics: Following Years of Opposition, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Plans Cannabis Legalization 19 comments

Cuomo Moves to Legalize Recreational Marijuana in New York Within Months

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that he would push to legalize recreational marijuana next year, a move that could generate more than $1.7 billion in sales annually and put New York in line with several neighboring states. The highly anticipated proposal came in a speech in Manhattan on Monday, in which the governor outlined his agenda for the first 100 days of his third term. Mr. Cuomo framed the speech as a reflection on what Franklin Delano Roosevelt — the former president who was once a New York governor himself — would do today, mixing sweeping rhetoric about American ideals with grim warnings about the Trump administration.

The speech, which seemed delivered with a national audience in mind, could prolong slow-burning speculation about Mr. Cuomo's presidential ambitions. It also showed, in striking detail, the governor's leftward evolution in his eight years in office, from a business-friendly centrist who considered marijuana a "gateway drug," to a self-described progressive championing recreational marijuana, taxes on the rich and a ban on corporate political donations.

"The fact is we have had two criminal justice systems: one for the wealthy and the well off, and one for everyone else," Mr. Cuomo said before introducing the cannabis proposal, describing the injustice that had "for too long targeted the African-American and minority communities. "Let's legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana once and for all," he added.

Ten other states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana, spending the new tax revenue on a range of initiatives, including schools and transportation.

Legalizing marijuana is now one of Cuomo's priorities. He's been resisting it for years.

Cuomo's Monday message was his strongest public endorsement of recreational marijuana to date. It marks a substantial shift from his prior opposition, as recently as last year when he called it a "gateway drug." The change in policy stance also follows a bitter battle for the Democratic gubernatorial primary against Cynthia Nixon, who supported legalization.

In 2018, Vermont became the first (and so far, only) U.S. state to legalize recreational use of cannabis by an act of the legislature, following a vetoed attempt in 2017. Lawmakers in New Jersey and Illinois may follow suit, although opposition remains.

Also at CBS.


Original Submission

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  • (Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @12:06AM (4 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @12:06AM (#850336)

    But the THC will be packaged separately with yellow food coloring and you'll have
    to mix it in yourself.

    • (Score: -1, Troll) by Ethanol-fueled on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:02AM (3 children)

      by Ethanol-fueled (2792) on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:02AM (#850357) Homepage

      Chicago is a city run by Jews, and it makes sense that Jews pass degenerate law.

      • (Score: 2) by Snow on Sunday June 02 2019, @02:44AM (2 children)

        by Snow (1601) on Sunday June 02 2019, @02:44AM (#850389) Journal

        What's your problem? I thought you lived in California.

        • (Score: 2, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:01AM

          by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:01AM (#850393)

          What's your problem? I thought you lived in California.

          Don't mind Eth. He's our resident fucking asshole.

          It is Saturday night, so I'm sure he's topped off his fuel of choice and is just trolling (poorly).

        • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:52PM

          by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:52PM (#850591)

          If he does live in California, it's most likely in Bakersfield. Which is also known as West Oklahoma.

  • (Score: 1, Disagree) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:12AM (10 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:12AM (#850359)

    The result of this will be such that the cost of Weed will go up (you think the price will go down? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA), and people will resort to cheaper alternatives with much worse effects such as shitty K2 spice.

    • (Score: 5, Informative) by takyon on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:35AM

      by takyon (881) <reversethis-{gro ... s} {ta} {noykat}> on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:35AM (#850365) Journal
    • (Score: 5, Interesting) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @02:06AM (6 children)

      by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @02:06AM (#850375)

      Really? Here in Eastern Washington (State, not DC, and no we are not part of Canada) legalization has nearly wiped out the black market for weed. Prices are lower than the street frequently was, the selection of smokeables, edibles, drinkables, rub it into you bellybles (yeah I made that up, suck it) is incredible and wages at the stores are great. (Although our legislature still can't spend the mountains of money responsibly, fucking idiots)

      https://shop.cannabisandglass.com/spokane-menu/ [cannabisandglass.com]

      http://greennuggetspokane.com/ [greennuggetspokane.com]

      Our black market for weed is dead.
      C'mon red staters, here's proof Capitalism works, get on board the T̶h̶a̶i̶l̶a̶n̶d̶ (American) Express!!!

      --
      Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
      • (Score: 2) by takyon on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:15AM (5 children)

        by takyon (881) <reversethis-{gro ... s} {ta} {noykat}> on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:15AM (#850400) Journal

        I think the black market is now focused on moving the "legal" weed to the other states.

        Not only are you getting a lot of strain choices for your money, you're getting better quality. Now you don't have to smoke pesticides (hopefully).

        --
        [SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
        • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:05AM (2 children)

          by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:05AM (#850421)

          Interestingly, where I am (cannabis still illegal), I can't get any Sour Diesel [leafly.com], as it doesn't produce as much saleable product as other strains. I was able to find some in Washington state last year, but not so much here.

          I will say that prices have been pretty stable over the past few years. I imagine prices will drop when legal cannabis comes to my state.

          At the same time, I wonder if part of the drop in prices is the ability for people to legally grow for their own use.

          • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:42AM (1 child)

            by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:42AM (#850438)

            Crop king carries feminized sour diesel seeds [cropkingseeds.com]. SWIM has had good luck with their seeds, tho she prefers Azura Haze (don't carry it anymore, should have cloned, oh well) or White Widow.

            • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @11:23AM

              by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @11:23AM (#850531)

              Crop king carries feminized sour diesel seeds [cropkingseeds.com]. SWIM has had good luck with their seeds, tho she prefers Azura Haze (don't carry it anymore, should have cloned, oh well) or White Widow.

              Thanks! Sadly, I do not have enough space in my tiny apartment to grow. If I had just *one* more closet...

              I've wanted to do so for many years, but it's just not happening. :(

        • (Score: 2) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:13AM

          by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:13AM (#850426)

          You're probably correct. At least that way they are getting good quality American weed rather than shitty Mexican ditchweed!

          I can't speak for other states, but if they detect the slightest hint of pesticides here you're required to destroy the entire batch. (it probably just ends up in Nazi Idaho)
          The west coast has a glut of weed, too bad we can't export it to those poor weed deprived folks in other states. Our shit weed is better than the best brickweed.

          --
          Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
        • (Score: 3, Interesting) by Rupert Pupnick on Sunday June 02 2019, @12:29PM

          by Rupert Pupnick (7277) on Sunday June 02 2019, @12:29PM (#850547) Journal

          You also don’t have to worry about smoking fungus because of all of the alternative methods of ingestion that become readily available in a legal marketplace. This is a huge benefit to cancer patients and other folks with suppressed immune systems for whom a dose of fungus in the lungs can mean hospitalization or death.

    • (Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:09AM

      by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:09AM (#850398)

      Let's say you're right... at least you know what you're getting.

      I smoked pot randomly as a teenager and didn't care for it much. Most of the time it didn't seem to do anything. I didn't do it again for 20 years - why bother? Fast forward to the present day, I can walk to a store and buy calibrated capsules at 1, 4, 10 or 30 mg doses. I thought why not and bought the 30mg ones. I figured it wouldn't do anything and had just wasted $20. Wrong - that shit is intense. In fact, life altering. I strongly encourage people to try small doses of capsules in a good setting, e.g. on your own with gentle music. The 30mg will blow your head off, don't do that right away. Break open a 10mg and take 1/4 or 1/2. It will change your life (for the better).

    • (Score: 1) by khallow on Monday June 03 2019, @04:34AM

      by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Monday June 03 2019, @04:34AM (#850728) Journal

      The result of this will be such that the cost of Weed will go up

      Hasn't so far. Funny how legal markets work, isn't it?

  • (Score: 5, Informative) by Barenflimski on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:30AM (23 children)

    by Barenflimski (6836) on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:30AM (#850362)

    This is a great step at getting folks out of the terrible cycle of being born without a father, going to jail as a young man and having more kids raised without a father.

    The damage done by the system is so much worse than people smoking some pot. I'd rather have a bunch of stoned neighbors than an empty neighborhood because they're all in prison for marijuana.

    The value of having your people be able to work instead of pay fines and be caught up in the system is an enormous win for the people of Illinois.

    • (Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:49AM (17 children)

      by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:49AM (#850369)

      Perhaps, but legalized pot is a sort of backdoor gun-illegalizer and provides ample ability to recriminalize even in the face of state level pot legality.

      18 USC 922
      ...
      (g) It shall be unlawful for any person—
      ...
      (3) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802));
      ...
      to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

      Penalty:

      18 USC 924
      ...
      (2) Whoever knowingly violates subsection (a)(6), (d), (g), (h), (i), (j), or (o) of section 922 shall be fined as provided in this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

      https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922 [cornell.edu]
      https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/924 [cornell.edu]

      • (Score: 2) by Farkus888 on Sunday June 02 2019, @02:16AM (4 children)

        by Farkus888 (5159) on Sunday June 02 2019, @02:16AM (#850379)

        I want gay married couples to be able to defend their pot farms with guns and have abortions at will as much as the next guy. One step at a time though, we can't get everything we want all at once, what would we complain about?

        • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:23AM (2 children)

          by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:23AM (#850409)

          I'd rather they not have abortions and just because used fucking birth control.
          Not likely a big problem with your gay neighbors.

          • (Score: -1, Flamebait) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:06PM

            by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:06PM (#850596)

            Sometimes birth control fails. And who cares if they abort some parasites, anyway?

          • (Score: 2) by dry on Monday June 03 2019, @03:53AM

            by dry (223) on Monday June 03 2019, @03:53AM (#850719) Journal

            A large number of anti-abortionists are also anti-birth control.

        • (Score: 3, Interesting) by ElizabethGreene on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:26PM

          by ElizabethGreene (6748) Subscriber Badge on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:26PM (#850604) Journal

          I want gay married couples to be able to defend their pot farms with guns and have abortions at will as much as the next guy.

          I wish this was the position of a major political party; They'd get my vote and dollars.

      • (Score: 2) by takyon on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:17AM

        by takyon (881) <reversethis-{gro ... s} {ta} {noykat}> on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:17AM (#850401) Journal

        Instead of illegal pot, you can just have illegal firearms. Maybe even 3D print a few. Stock up for any upcoming civil wars / apocalypses.

        --
        [SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
      • (Score: 3, Informative) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:20AM (10 children)

        by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:20AM (#850403)

        The genie is out of the bottle, WAY too late to put it back in.

        No way state governments are gonna part with millions of dollars in tax revenue without a fight.

        The only real change needed will be taking Cannabis off the schedule I list, then the rest won't matter any more than the much more dangerous alcohol.

        I disagree that it is a backdoor gun-illegalizer, some states (you know who you are) use the gun laws to enhance minor possession into much more serious crimes, all due to a 'reefer madness, the world is gonna collapse due to potheads' type of attitude that pervades many state legislatures. Legalization results in lower crime, lower opioid problems and a fat ass tax revenue for the states to spend irresponsibly (like normal). The very minor problems tend to revolve around neighboring states with prohibition attitudes (looking at you Nazi Idaho) and the fact that it is at the moment a cash business due to outdated banking regulations.

        --
        Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
        • (Score: 2) by Pino P on Sunday June 02 2019, @02:43PM (7 children)

          by Pino P (4721) on Sunday June 02 2019, @02:43PM (#850577) Journal

          The only real change needed will be taking Cannabis off the schedule I list

          I don't see how that'll be possible unless and until it is proved safe and effective as a treatment for some medical condition, based on a formal phase III clinical trial of an investigational new drug (IND). This is because schedules II, III, IV, and V under the Controlled Substances Act all require "currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States," which in practice requires the FDA to have approved the substance for marketing as a drug. At least since 2008, the trial no longer has to be conducted on U.S. soil [fda.gov].

          • (Score: 3, Informative) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @11:03PM (3 children)

            by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @11:03PM (#850683)

            It should never of been on the schedule to start with. It was done for political, not health reasons.
            The fact that Marinol (synthetic THC) exists and is prescribed defeats that argument.
            CBD is well known within the medical community for its anti-inflammatory , anti-spasmodic and anti-convulsant properties.
            Doctors prescribe Marijuana to patients in medical states all the time.

            Besides, it is used as a recreational drug, much the same as alcohol.
            Soon it will be legal at the state level nationwide. That alone will render the law (already ineffective and lightly enforced) completely pointless. All it takes is Congress and the President to override. Jimmy Carter attempted this during his term, but congress would not go along and the people did not at that time support it. Regan followed Carter with the disastrous 'WAR ON DRUGS.'

            An impotent federal law in conflict with state laws will not stand, just as the federal nationwide 55 mph limit did not. States rebel, the law falls.
            As far as safe, only 9 states have marijuana as fully illegal at the moment, I believe that falls to 8 with Illinois once it is enacted. The hospitals are not full of marijuana victims dying on ventilators and the sanitariums are not full of rampaging marijuana psychos.
            It is proven safer than alcohol or tobacco.

            With all due respect, the argument you put forth no longer has any weight.

            The one argument with any weight, and slimming down fast, is international treaties that will have to be re-negotiated, as many of them contain language restricting marijuana and its derivatives.

            --
            Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
            • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday June 03 2019, @05:39PM (2 children)

              by Anonymous Coward on Monday June 03 2019, @05:39PM (#850921)

              Oh, gee. So any drug that is effective for a condition cannot be put on schedules because it would be done for political and health reasons.

              I guess then the opioid crisis was really brought on by politics. Good to know. Please let me know when you think crack should be legalized, too.

              • (Score: 2) by NotSanguine on Monday June 03 2019, @09:51PM

                Please let me know when you think crack should be legalized, too.

                I think all such substances should be legalized, regulated and taxed much as alcohol and tobacco are today.

                The vast majority of crime and violence associated with such substances is related to the illegality of those substances, not the substances themselves.

                What's more, only a small minority of the users of such substances have dependency/addiction issues. As such, legalization/regulation would provide (as has been seen with cannabis and alcohol) quality control and reductions in crime/violence related to the black market.

                With just a fraction of the billions of dollars currently spent on enforcement, every single person with a dependency issue could receive treatment and be returned to society as functioning members, contributing to their communities economically and socially.

                Consider the alternative uses of all that money spent on enforcement, add in the negative economic impact of incarcerating and stigmatizing users. Add in the negative societal impact of the lawlessness of black marketeers and you have a recipe for crime, lawlessness and a drag on the economy. None of those negative impacts come from *using* such substances, rather they come from the legal prohibitions on such substances (we saw *exactly* the same thing during alcohol prohibition) and the criminal stigmatization of users.

                So, to respond to your statement, I think crack (which is the "base" processed to create cocaine [arizona.edu]) and cocaine (they are, after all, the same thing) should be legalized decades ago.

                Raising the "crack" boogeyman is ignorant, as the violence and crime associated with cocaine (in any form) is, and always was, an issue with its prohibition, not the substance itself.

                --
                No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr
              • (Score: 2) by Pslytely Psycho on Friday June 07 2019, @12:31AM

                by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Friday June 07 2019, @12:31AM (#852493)

                I didn't say that. I said specifically that marijuana was placed on schedule I for political reasons. But the Opioid crisis wasn't brought on by politics, something much more basic is responsible for that. GREED.
                But you knew that already.
                This is at best hyperbole, and at worst just trolling.

                But yeah, why not legalize them all. Legalization takes a lot of the allure away and provides safer paths for treatment.
                Jail is not the answer, except for the big pharma execs.

                --
                Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
          • (Score: 2) by NotSanguine on Monday June 03 2019, @12:01PM

            The only real change needed will be taking Cannabis off the schedule I list

            I don't see how that'll be possible unless and until it is proved safe and effective as a treatment for some medical condition, based on a formal phase III clinical trial of an investigational new drug (IND).

            That's not the way it should go. I say it should be de-scheduled altogether and regulated by the ATF [atf.gov] just like those other, far more dangerous, substances. Then we can rename it CATF and they can have a cat in their logo.

            --
            No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr
          • (Score: 2) by NotSanguine on Monday June 03 2019, @12:01PM

            The only real change needed will be taking Cannabis off the schedule I list

            I don't see how that'll be possible unless and until it is proved safe and effective as a treatment for some medical condition, based on a formal phase III clinical trial of an investigational new drug (IND).

            That's not the way it should go. I say it should be de-scheduled altogether and regulated by the ATF [atf.gov] just like those other, far more dangerous, substances. Then we can rename it CATF and they can have a cat in their logo.

            --
            No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr
          • (Score: 1) by khallow on Monday June 03 2019, @12:53PM

            by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Monday June 03 2019, @12:53PM (#850835) Journal

            I don't see how that'll be possible unless and until it is proved safe and effective as a treatment for some medical condition

            Just like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine have been?

            Besides to take something off of Schedule I, all you have to do is pass a law. Don't have to prove or assume a thing. I think when more than half of the states have legalized marijuana, it'll probably fall at the federal level.

        • (Score: 5, Informative) by ElizabethGreene on Monday June 03 2019, @02:14PM (1 child)

          by ElizabethGreene (6748) Subscriber Badge on Monday June 03 2019, @02:14PM (#850856) Journal

          For what it's worth, a Federal court has ordered the DEA to reconsider the drug's schedule 1 status.

          https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2019/05/31/federal-appeals-court-rules-dea-federal-govt-must-promptly-reassess-marijuanas-illegality [forbes.com]

          That dropped on Friday and hasn't bubbled up in the news cycle yet.

          • (Score: 2) by NotSanguine on Monday June 03 2019, @09:54PM

            For what it's worth, a Federal court has ordered the DEA to reconsider the drug's schedule 1 status.

            Thanks for digging that up. I'd heard about that over the weekend, but when initially posting on this topic, a cursory web search didn't turn anything up for me. I tip my hat to your superior google-fu.

            --
            No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr
    • (Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:21AM (4 children)

      by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:21AM (#850407)

      You have fallen for a myth that the prisons are full of people whose only crime was smoking marijuana.

      • (Score: 5, Informative) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:48AM (3 children)

        by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:48AM (#850443)

        The facts say otherwise. About 1/3 of prisoners arrested under drug laws were in prison for Cannabis POSSESSION ONLY.

        Amount spent annually in the U.S. on the war on drugs: $47+ billion

        Number of arrests in 2017 in the U.S. for drug law violations: 1,632,921

        Number of drug arrests that were for possession only: 1,394,514 (85.4 percent)

        Number of people arrested for a marijuana law violation in 2017: 659,700

        Number of those charged with marijuana law violations who were arrested for possession only: 599,282 (90.8 percent)

        http://www.drugpolicy.org/issues/drug-war-statistics [drugpolicy.org]

        We have the highest incarceration rate in the world. So much for freedom.

        --
        Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
        • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @06:16AM (2 children)

          by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @06:16AM (#850472)

          Look at your own statistics.
          They say NOTHING about people **in prison** for MJ possession.
          It mentions only *arrests*. We've got drug diversion programs where most of those guys will not go to jail. They just have to keep their nose clean for a certain amount of time (put on probation *before* judgement).
          Many of the arrest figures you gave are for drug related offenses that can have other crimes committed as well or perpetually committed by the offender.
          Maybe it was a gang member who robbed someone and they also found drugs on him when they picked him up.

          WE NEED FACTS YOU DIDN'T PROVIDE:
          What percent of prisoners are there for non-violent drug crimes?
          Article below says 15%.

          http://washingtonpost.com/outlook/five-myths/five-myths-about-prisons/2019/05/16/953304ea-7759-11e9-b3f5-5673edf2d127_story.html [washingtonpost.com]

          • (Score: 4, Informative) by AthanasiusKircher on Sunday June 02 2019, @07:48AM

            by AthanasiusKircher (5291) on Sunday June 02 2019, @07:48AM (#850485) Journal

            You definitely have a point that the prison population (and our mass incarceration problem in the U.S.) are NOT due primarily to nonviolent drug possession (contrary to a common belief).

            However, millions of people harassed and arrested and put on invasive probation restrictions is not exactly something to be celebrated either -- arrest records and probation with convictions also cause serious issues for many people with employers, potential employers, landlords, and many other issues in their lives. Just because nonviolent drug offenders may only be 15-20% of the prison population (or whatever the number is, and those in jail for simple possession even smaller) doesn't mean such laws aren't a serious problem that impacts numerous lives in negative ways.

          • (Score: 2) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @09:26AM

            by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @09:26AM (#850506)

            Sorry teacher, I only had thirty minutes and the cat shredded my homework. (:

            Fair enough, I did quote arrests and not actual incarcerations. Arrests that ruined hundreds of thousands of lives for no good reason. And most of them spent at least some time in jail (yes I know the difference between jail and prison, had an encounter with the former). The toll on society for this folly is what disturbs me.
            And 15% (your number) is still a ridiculous number of people. (off work, ain't doin' the math)
            If I didn't think it though enough for you, fine, you made your point and I generally agree with it.
            "Many of the arrest figures you gave are for drug related offenses that can have other crimes committed as well or perpetually committed by the offender." I very specifically singled out possession only.

            Have a pleasant day, I know I wil as I'm about to roll a fat ass 'stick it to the man' doob of some excellent Sour Diesel followed by a dab or five....

            --
            Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:48AM (1 child)

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @01:48AM (#850368)

    Could this actually help alleviate opiate epidemic?

  • (Score: 0, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:19AM (6 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:19AM (#850402)

    OMG! What a victory for human rights! I can't WAIT for all of America to start addling their brains, tuning in, dropping out.
    What an ACHIEVEMENT for our people.

    • (Score: 2) by takyon on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:21AM

      by takyon (881) <reversethis-{gro ... s} {ta} {noykat}> on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:21AM (#850408) Journal

      So... you can't wait for December 5, 1933?

      --
      [SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
    • (Score: 2, Informative) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:40AM (4 children)

      by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:40AM (#850414)

      In the real world (you should visit sometime) none of what you're worried about actually occurred after legalization. Totally amateurish attempt at trolling. I'll bet you know many secret tokers who would never reveal to you what they do due to your Neanderthal attitude. Or perhaps not, after all, you may have no friends at all.

      --
      Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
      • (Score: 0, Disagree) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @06:19AM (3 children)

        by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @06:19AM (#850473)

        Got plenty of friends.
        They just aren't people who love getting buzzed so much that they will even risk jail for it.
        I don't hang around addicts, esp. addicts who can't admit they are.

        • (Score: 2) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @09:32AM (1 child)

          by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @09:32AM (#850508)

          Your ignorance is your shield. Chances are still with me that you know people who are closeted users.
          But hey.
          Far be it for me to destroy your fantasy.
          Peace out.

          --
          Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
          • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:54PM

            by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:54PM (#850622)

            Ignorance is bliss.

            I'm picturing a bunch of uptight people gritting their teeth and hiding their dark secrets, ahh blissful ignorance.

        • (Score: 2) by Rupert Pupnick on Sunday June 02 2019, @12:38PM

          by Rupert Pupnick (7277) on Sunday June 02 2019, @12:38PM (#850549) Journal

          Well, if they live in Illinois, they won’t be risking jail anymore.

  • (Score: 4, Informative) by krishnoid on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:33AM (6 children)

    by krishnoid (1156) on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:33AM (#850412)

    Legalization-vs-decriminalization across the U.S. [disa.com]. I found it particularly poignant [archaic] that it's fully legal in the District of Columbia.

    • (Score: 2) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:59AM

      by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @03:59AM (#850419)

      The ultimate hypocrisy. Or maybe not, if I had to sit through a session of congress, I certainly would want to be severely stoned.

      It is amusing that there are now only 9 states where it is fully illegal now. (the map mistakenly shows Louisiana as being fully illegal by color, when it should be colored as medicinal only)

      --
      Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
    • (Score: 3, Informative) by NotSanguine on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:17AM (4 children)

      Legalization-vs-decriminalization across the U.S. [disa.com]. I found it particularly poignant [archaic] that it's fully legal in the District of Columbia.

      An interesting bit about the District of Columbia is that while possession (and growing for personal use) are legal, sales of cannabis are still illegal. This differs significantly from every state that's legalized recreational cannabis, in that they all have legal commercial sales, which they tax.

      Which is interesting (I had wondered about that before, but it just clicked for me), since IIUC, Congress handles all that sort of stuff for the District. As such, unless cannabis is moved off of Schedule I [dea.gov] I imagine that Congress can't implement a tax regime for it.

      I could be wrong about that, as I don't live in DC and IANAL.

      --
      No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr
      • (Score: 4, Informative) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:10AM (3 children)

        by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:10AM (#850451)

        Hahaha, I didn't know that! Even odder, they have TEN FUCKING STORES that [don't] sell recreational weed!!
        (The article I linked says five, but google lists ten within DC. Business must be good)

        Apparently, you have to buy something else and get 'gifted' the marijuana.

        "In the absence of a regulated market for cannabis, a gray market “gift economy” has emerged. Essentially, consumers pay businesses for a non-cannabis product—say, a t-shirt—and the company tosses in a “free gift” of cannabis. The services are advertised openly and even make local deliveries."

        "Avoid Federal Property

        It’s important to note that Initiative 71 does not apply on federal property—and 22% of DC is federal property. If you’re caught with cannabis on the National Mall or other memorial locations, for example, you may face federal marijuana charges. You don’t want that."

        Man, I would have a semi-trailers worth of t-shirts if I lived in DC!
        I have to wonder if they have t-shirt recycling bins outside every store. Drop off the shirt you didn't actually want and keep the [free] 'gift?' Then re-sell the shirt a hundred times?

        Washington DC, more fucked up than advertised!

        https://www.leafly.com/news/politics/how-to-get-recreational-medical-marijuana-washington-dc [leafly.com]

        --
        Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
        • (Score: 4, Funny) by NotSanguine on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:54AM (2 children)

          Hahaha, I didn't know that! Even odder, they have TEN FUCKING STORES that [don't] sell recreational weed!!
          (The article I linked says five, but google lists ten within DC. Business must be good)

          Apparently, you have to buy something else and get 'gifted' the marijuana.

          That's downright wacky. But I guess it makes sense in the absence of a cash market. I guess that means the bag of Doritos (nacho cheese, of course not that nasty ranch crap) which normally costs $2.99 is $14.99 with the "free" gram bag of weed?

          That reminds me of when I was a teenager and the spot we went to for our $20 1/4 ounces of Panama Red fronted as a flower store. The deal was you had to buy a $1 flower to make your visit look legit.

          While that place was open, my two brothers and I gave our mom so many flowers! And she was always so happy about it. "That's so sweet!" she would say. If she only knew. :)

          --
          No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr
          • (Score: 3, Insightful) by krishnoid on Sunday June 02 2019, @07:39AM

            by krishnoid (1156) on Sunday June 02 2019, @07:39AM (#850482)

            The first bag of Doritos is still $3. It's the subsequent ones that cost you $15 *after* you get the munchies.

          • (Score: 2) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @10:06AM

            by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @10:06AM (#850524)

            Best story ever!

            --
            Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
  • (Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:15AM (6 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:15AM (#850428)

    I live in a state where pot is still not legalized, and I often smell weed from cars around me. How many people are driving while baked, and are accidents caused under the influence a crisis yet?

    • (Score: 3, Informative) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:26AM (3 children)

      by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:26AM (#850459)

      Depends on the study. Overall, it seems there is a temporary small increase at first, but levels tend to drop back down after a few months. Possibly due to inexperienced smokers? Other studies found no real correlation at all.

      https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/5/18210827/marijuana-traffic-fatality-deaths-transportation-public-health [theverge.com]

      Studies are hampered by the fact you can't test for marijuana impairment directly like you can alcohol. You can tell if they smoked in the last few weeks, but not if they were high at the time.

      Far from a crisis. We've been legal for years here, (2nd state to legalize, 1st to implement the law...suck it Colorado!) and our impaired driving crashes are about the same as before now. (we did have a bit of a rise at first, but it leveled out.)

      --
      Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
      • (Score: 3, Insightful) by NotSanguine on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:59AM (2 children)

        Studies are hampered by the fact you can't test for marijuana impairment directly like you can alcohol. You can tell if they smoked in the last few weeks, but not if they were high at the time.

        Many folks (and *especially* the law "enforcement" types) use that trope to claim that it's not safe to legalize until you have an onsite test like they do with the breathalyzers for alcohol.

        Which is a bunch of bullshit, as before they had the breathalyzers, they used Field Sobriety Tests [aaa.com] which are effective and don't care what you may have been drinking/smoking/ingesting. They are also admissible as evidence in court in many states.

        --
        No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical. --Niels Bohr
        • (Score: 3, Interesting) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday June 02 2019, @09:49AM

          by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Sunday June 02 2019, @09:49AM (#850514)

          Absolutely.
          However even FST can be abused.
          Anecdote Time!
          Had a cop who wanted me to fall in front of his camera so bad his partner stepped in and told him it was enough.
          I was so fuckin' glad, I was getting dizzy and he just kept going and going and going. I had already had my vehicle and myself searched, passed the breathalyzer, walked a strait line, touched my nose with my eyes closed, stood on one foot, recited the alphabet but man, I damn near lost it on the never ending follow the finger test.

          Oh, my crime, I was a truck driver who blew a scale because my Pre-Pass malfunctioned and gave me a green light when it should of given me a red. At least in the end I was only given a warning thanks to his partner.

          --
          Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.
        • (Score: 2) by All Your Lawn Are Belong To Us on Monday June 03 2019, @05:33PM

          by All Your Lawn Are Belong To Us (6553) on Monday June 03 2019, @05:33PM (#850916) Journal

          And most people who are not intoxicated fail one or more of those tests. Aside from this [wikipedia.org] even the most elemental Googling will get you plenty of criticism as to whether they really do much better than a coin flip as a predictor.

          --
          This sig for rent.
    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:36PM (1 child)

      by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:36PM (#850615)

      weed doesn't cause people to crash, unless they are too stupid/irresponsible to be driving in the first place. texting while high, rolling a joint while driving, etc. i was the designated high/drunk driver when i was young and i smoked enough weed to kill a hippopotamus(if weed actually could kill anything), daily. I only had one minor altercation while high and it was due to my risk taking/impatient personality, not the weed. does it affect you? sure. enough to make you wreck? not unless you just started smoking and smoked a bunch or something like that. regular smokers are driving all around you high as shit and not crashing any more than the other idiots on the road. the much bigger problem are people too damn dumb to be driving. they can't merge, they can't anticipate anything nor plan. it should be legal to run them off the road in a fit of rage. i don't smoke anymore, in case you couldn't tell.

      • (Score: 3, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:59PM

        by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:59PM (#850624)

        I think it killed your Shift key and Carriage Return :(

  • (Score: 1, Flamebait) by SomeGuy on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:38AM (4 children)

    by SomeGuy (5632) on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:38AM (#850434)

    They are making dangerous, addictive drugs legal?! What are these lawmakers smoking?!

    ... oh ... riiiiight. :P

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:46AM (3 children)

      by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @04:46AM (#850441)

      They are making dangerous, addictive drugs legal?!

      Yep. Those opiods are bad news. And that devil's water is quite addictive too. Not to mention that tobacco stuff!

      That's what you meant right?

      • (Score: 0, Offtopic) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @06:27AM (1 child)

        by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @06:27AM (#850475)

        You're right.
        So stay off all of them, dumbass.

        • (Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @07:46AM

          by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @07:46AM (#850483)

          You're right.
          So stay off all of them, dumbass.

          I don't have time to be on them friend, I'm too busy being on your mom.

          Jackass.

      • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @08:49PM

        by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @08:49PM (#850659)

        Your sarcasm detector needs recalibration. That was supposed to be funny.

  • (Score: 3, Insightful) by Hartree on Sunday June 02 2019, @06:08AM (1 child)

    by Hartree (195) on Sunday June 02 2019, @06:08AM (#850470)

    I definitely need to find out who the local contract packagers for Doritos and Hostess products are here in Central Illinois.

    And the Girl Scouts are gonna sell more cookies than you can imagine.

  • (Score: -1, Redundant) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:27PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @05:27PM (#850613)

    congratulations. now you have to get a license to grow a plant in your yard. when will the slaves of the USA learn?

  • (Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @07:38PM (1 child)

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @07:38PM (#850641)

    Support human weaknesses; regulate, discourage human strengths. I see a pattern in states pushing marijuana.

    Business, right to self defense, privacy are attacked. A drug addled citizenry, no problem.

    • (Score: -1, Flamebait) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @08:15PM

      by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 02 2019, @08:15PM (#850651)

      Yet opinionated moral busybodies like you waste precious time that could be applied advancing some aspect of human life getting mad and feeling self-righteous on the internet.

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