March 26th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: News
No Comments
Less than a week after its passing in the New Hampshire House, Deputy Drug Czar Scott Burns alleged that New Hampshire House Bill 1623, which would decriminalize the possession of 1/4th ounce, would legalize the “manufacturing” and “distributing” of “over 90 marijuana joints.” These numbers are ludicrous, and illustrate how the Drug Czar’s office will lie through their teeth to keep anti-marijuana propaganda afloat. In reality, 1/4th oz (7 grams) would produce 7-15 joints at a maximum.
To top that off, the New Hampshire bill does not decriminalize the sale of marijuana what so ever, and it would still be illegal to possess marijuana in a car. It seems that the second it is announced that the case for decriminalizing marijuana will come before congress for the first time in a quarter century, the Drug Czar and his staff are starting to get worried about job security.
Those interested should read my recent post on the Top 5 Reasons Marijuana Laws Need Reform
March 19th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: News
No Comments
Ignoring advice from the House Criminal Justice Committee, the New Hampshire House voted yesterday to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Gov. John Lynch quickly threatened a veto if the bill were to pass in the Senate, however Senate Majority Leader Joseph Foster predicts the Senate will kill the bill.
The House Criminal Justice committee voted 13-5 in favor of killing the bill, but the House approved the bill anyways. The House vote gives New Hampshire residents hope that their state may be the 13th state to decriminalize pot.
The bill would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, however it would still remain a misdemeanor for possessing marijuana in a motor vehicle and a felony for selling marijuana. Opponents of the bill claim it will send a bad message to teens who will think all of the areas of marijuana prohibition have been weakened, while proponents of the bill feel the current penalties for marijuana possession are unjust and disproportionate.
March 16th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Medical Marijuana, News
No Comments
Illinois - Members of the Senate Public Health Committee voted 6-4 to legalize the use of medical marijuana in Illinois. A similar bill fell just shy of a majority vote in the Senate last year, and the legislation would make Illinois the 13th state to legalize medical use of marijuana.
The bill will allow patients with “debilitating medical conditions” to obtain a prescription from their doctor. Under these circumstances, possession of under 8 plants and 2 ½ ounces of useable marijuana would be considered legal.
Two weeks ago New Hampshire passed similar legislation so there may soon be 14 states that have disobeyed federal regulations regarding medical marijuana. That, coupled with the American College of Physicians’ endorsement of the drug a couple weeks ago, should push the federal government to repeal the ban on medical marijuana.
February 25th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Medical Marijuana, News
No Comments
New Hampshire may be the next state to decriminalize marijuana, following the lead of 12 states so far, as two New Hampshire legislators from Nashua have filed the legislation papers. The bill is to be voted on next month by the state House of Representatives, and would decrease the penalty for small amounts of marijuana to a $200 civil fine.
The news comes at a time when the general sentiment about pot of the American people is shifting. Almost half of the United States population has at least experimented with pot, and while many still believe it should not be fully legalized, having a criminal record for pot is beginning to seem more and more excessive.
The debate will be lively with many supporters and opponents of the legislation. The opposition of the bill feels that decreasing the penalties for marijuana possession will encourage its use among the younger generations and cause them to believe that using marijuana is ok.
I do agree with people who say smoking pot all day all the time will lead to a lazy and unfulfilling life. That is why it is our responsibility as parents, friends, brothers, sisters, and people to educate each other about moderation in all parts of life. While there are many risks associated with marijuana, there are also many benefits.
Even for those of us that are not citizens of New Hampshire, the future of marijuana’s legal status is close to the hearts of many. Personally I support the decriminalization, and full legalization would benefit the country greatly in new tax revenues and reduced law enforcement costs. Even though I am not from New Hampshire, I whole-heartedly believe in their motto “Live Free or Die!” and to me part of being free is having the right to make your own decisions.
Loading ...
