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It's Time for Unity in the Marijuana Reform Movement
Sep 17, 2010 -
By Morgan Fox, September 2010
USA -- Marijuana users are an extremely diverse group. Whether it be medical or recreational use, they can be found in almost every demographic imaginable in America. As such, there are a wide variety of opinions on how marijuana should be treated by society at large, as well as how to achieve such goals.
This shouldn't be surprising, and there is always room for debate on what the best models and methods for reform should be. Recently, however, a disturbing trend has emerged.
It appears that there is a growing contingent of marijuana users and people associated with the industry, both legal and illicit, who are actively fighting against efforts to make marijuana legal for all adults. There are several arguments being thrown around to defend the status quo of marijuana prohibition. Some of those arguments are well intentioned but shortsighted. Some are downright malicious. The one commonality they have is their divisive effect on the movement at a time when unity is crucial to finally end the government's war on marijuana users.
A common complaint is that, in a regulated marijuana market, big corporations will push out small businesses. This is an understandable fear, especially to someone who has spent his or her life, and risked imprisonment and persecution, trying to run a marijuana-related business. These people surely do not want to see a culture and industry that they love taken over by corporate interests and diluted. But corporations already control marijuana.
They are the cartels that heavily influence the market and bring death to our borders and our inner cities. They are the prison-builders that lobby for harsher sentencing so they can keep the cells full and the cash flowing. They are the pharmaceutical companies that stonewall cannabinoid research so they can keep pushing expensive pills.
Of course some big businesses are going to see opportunity in a newly legal and regulated marijuana market and will try to take advantage of it. And surely some of their practices will be detestable. Marijuana consumers have a right to choose, though. Big businesses cannot "ruin marijuana" any more than Coors has ruined beer. As with alcohol, with its thriving microbrew industry, there will inevitably be a large market for higher-quality, locally grown marijuana.
Another popular attack against potential reforms is that they do not go far enough. There are many people who feel very strongly about securing certain protections, whether they be the right to grow at home, amnesty for marijuana prisoners, personal possession limits, and so on. The most vocal among them feel so strongly that they would rather see a decent bill fail than pass without their inclusion.
While we can sit around dreaming about what the country would be like with "perfect" marijuana laws, the political reality is that we cannot get anywhere near there without taking incremental steps. We are fighting against more than seventy years of lies and propaganda, as well as entrenched corporate and government interests. By building on small victories, we can more easily pass improved laws and overturn bad portions of otherwise good laws. We cannot build on zero victories. While we sit around arguing about minor concessions and principles, people are going to jail or dying. We cannot afford to wait for the rest of the country to come around to the way of thinking of the more radical among us, even if we might agree with them.
The worst obstructionist arguments come from people who are doing just fine under prohibition. They come from the growers and dealers, who stand to lose a little bit of the tremendous amount of money they make in the illegal market. They come from the guys that think marijuana is only "cool" if it is unregulated, and don't want to lose their status. They come from the young adults who simply do not care if it is legal or not, because they are going to do it anyway.
Never mind that their lifestyles come at the expense of others' freedom! In all seriousness, if you want to be a cool, wealthy outlaw, here is some advice: develop a personality, and buy a motorcycle. The rest of us are sick of living our lives on the lam for you. If you cannot support marijuana reform because of such selfish reasoning, please remove yourself from the debate.
The Vote Hemp Guide to Hemp Activism
Sep 17, 2010 -
A Concise Guide to Citizen Lobbying on the Hemp Issue
http://www.votehemp.com/lobbying.html
This guide may be used as a tool by anyone who wants to help change America’s ridiculous and unfair domestic policy that effectively bans hemp farming. It will help empower you to become more involved and show you how to influence your representatives in Congress and/or your state government to once again allow American farmers to grow industrial hemp. If you would like to understand more about why this issue is both essential and urgent, read the Vote Hemp Treatise A Renewal of Common Sense: The Case for Hemp in 21st Century America.
This guide will take you from the easiest ways to get involved to the more influential ways, including setting up a meeting with a Congressional staffer or even with a member of Congress. It can be empowering, exciting and meaningful to become part of the democratic process.
Timing can sometimes mean success. For example, from August 9 to September 10, 2010, members of Congress will be back in their home districts, which is a perfect opportunity to exercise your power by arranging a meeting or visiting a public town hall meeting. Also, during elections, such as this coming cycle now through November, bring a question to ask during a public debate.
Poll says 75% of Americans Support MMJ
Aug 11, 2010 -
The New Rasmussen Poll showing 75% of Americans support the use of Medical Marijuana by Adults if prescribed by a physician, up from 63% last October. This number clearly shows that a large majority believes in the efficacy of Cannabis, and is an indication that the 14 States and the District of Columbia, recognizing Medical Marijuana were on the right course in fulfilling the will of their citizens.
"We see these numbers as a 'Tipping Point,'" stated CEO Bruce Perlowin. "More states that are currently in the process of Legalization efforts will certainly come into the fold and it is also interesting to note that the Poll showed that 95% believe that it is likely that Marijuana will be fully legalized in the next 10 years.
Furthermore, Rasmussen shows that the California Bill to Tax and Regulate Cannabis, Prop 19, has 52% approving while opposed by only 36% indicating strongly that recreational Marijuana will be legal in California in November. Additionally, the City of Detroit is also voting this November to legalize recreational Marijuana.
These facts underscore the decision by PCIO to apply for and receive a name change to "Marijuana, Inc." and jump into this quickly emerging multi-billion dollar industry. With several divisions being created in Marijuana, Inc., from 420 friendly resorts, to licensing the rights of Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s (MJNA) attractive logo for an entire clothing line, Marijuana, Inc. is positioning itself to be a leader and trend setter in the medical marijuana, cannabis, hemp and related peripheral industries.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning our business and possible or assumed future results of operations. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this document to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law.
Source: Marijuana, Inc.
Copyright: Medical News Today
