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The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana

 
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 07:41 PM
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The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
[link to www.rollingstone.com]


The Berlin Wall of pot prohibition seems to be crumbling before our eyes.

By fully legalizing marijuana through direct democracy, Colorado and Washington have fundamentally changed the national conversation about cannabis. As many as 58 percent of Americans now believe marijuana should be legal. And our political establishment is catching on. Former president Jimmy Carter came out this month and endorsed taxed-and-regulated weed. "I'm in favor of it," Carter said. "I think it's OK." In a December 5th letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) suggested it might be possible "to amend the Federal Controlled Substances Act to allow possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, at least in jurisdictions where it is legal under state law." Even President Obama hinted at a more flexible approach to prohibition, telling 20/20's Barbara Walters that the federal government was unlikely to crack down on recreational users in states where pot is legal, adding, "We've got bigger fish to fry."

Encouraged by the example of Colorado and Oregon, states across the country are debating the merits of treating marijuana less like crystal meth and more like Jim Beam. Here are the next seven states most likely to legalize it:

1) Oregon
Oregon could have produced a trifecta for pot legalization on election day. Like Washington and Colorado, the state had a marijuana legalization bid on the ballot in 2012, but it failed 54-46. The pro-cannabis cause was dogged by poor organization: Advocates barely qualified the initiative for the ballot, and could not attract billionaire backers like George Soros and Peter Lewis, who helped bankroll the legalization bit in Washington.

But given that Oregon's biggest city, Portland, will be just across the Columbia River from prevalent, legal marijuana, the state legislature will be under pressure to create a framework for the drug's legal use in Oregon – in particular if the revenue provisions of Washington's law are permitted to kick in and lawmakers begin to watch Washington profit from the "sin taxes" on Oregon potheads. If lawmakers stall, state voters will likely have the last word soon enough. Consider that even cannabis-crazy Colorado failed in its first legalization bid back in 2006.

"We have decades of evidence that says prohibition does not work and it's counterproductive," said Peter Buckley, co-chair of the Oregon state legislature's budget committee. For Buckley, it's a matter of dollars and common sense: "There's a source of revenue that's reasonable that is rational that is the right policy choice for our state," he said. "We are going to get there on legalization."

2) California
California is unaccustomed to being a follower on marijuana liberalization. Its landmark medical marijuana initiative in 1996 sparked a revolution that has reached 18 states and the District of Columbia. And the artful ambiguity of that statute has guaranteed easy access to the drug — even among Californians with minor aches and pains.

In 2010, the state appeared to be on track to fully legalize and tax pot with Proposition 19. The Obama administration warned of a crackdown, and the state legislature beat voters to the punch with a sweeping decriminalization of pot that treats possession not as a misdemeanor but an infraction, like a parking ticket, with just a $100 fine. In a stunningly progressive move, that law also applies to underage smokers. And removing normal teenage behavior from the criminal justice system has contributed to a staggering decline in youth "crime" in California of nearly 20 percent in 2011.

The grandaddy of less-prohibited pot is again a top candidate to fully legalize cannabis. Prop 19 failed 53-47, and pot advocates are determined not to run another initiative in an "off-year" election, likely putting ballot-box legalization off for four years. "2016 is a presidential election year, which brings out more of the youth vote we need," said Amanda Reiman, who heads up the Drug Policy Alliance's marijuana reform in California.

Economics could also force the issue sooner. Eager for new tax revenue, the state legislature could seek to normalize the marijuana trade. There's no Republican impediment: Democrats now have a supermajority in Sacramento, and Governor Brown has forcefully defended the right of states to legalize without the interference of federal "gendarmes."

3) Nevada

Whether it's gambling or prostitution, Nevada is famous for regulating that which other states prohibit. When it comes to pot, the state has already taken one swing at legalization in 2006, with an initiative that failed 56-44. "They got closer than we did in Colorado that year," says Mason Tvert, who co-chaired Colorado's initiative this year and whose first statewide effort garnered just 41 percent of the vote.

For prominent state politicians, the full legalization, taxation and regulation of weed feels all but inevitable. "Thinking we're not going to have it is unrealistic," assemblyman Tick Segerblom of Las Vegas said in November. "It's just a question of how and when."

4) Rhode Island
Pot watchers believe little Rhode Island may be the first state to legalize through the state legislature instead of a popular referendum. ''I'm hoping this goes nowhere,'' one prominent opponent in the state House told the Boston Globe. ''But I think we're getting closer and closer to doing this.''

Back in June 2012, lawmakers in Providence jumped on the decriminalization bandwagon, replacing misdemeanor charges for adult recreational use with a civil fine of $150. (Youth pay the same fine but also have to attend a drug education class and perform community service.)

In the wake of Colorado and Washington's new state laws, Rhode Island has joined a slate of New England states that are vowing to vote on tax-and-regulate bills. A regulated marijuana market in Rhode Island could reap the state nearly $30 million in new tax revenue and reduced law enforcement costs. ''Our prohibition has failed,'' said Rep. Edith Ajello of Providence, who is sponsoring the bill. ''Legalizing and taxing it, just as we did to alcohol, is the way to do it.''

5) Maine
Maine's legislature has recently expanded decriminalization and is moving on a legalization-and-regulation bill that could bring the state $8 million a year in new revenue. ''The people are far ahead of the politicians on this,'' said Rep. Diane Russell of Portland. ''Just in the past few weeks we've seen the culture shift dramatically.''

State legislators in Maine, as in other direct-democracy states, are actually wary of the ballot initiative process and may work to preempt the voters. A legalization scheme devised by lawmakers, after all, is likely to produce tighter regulation and more revenue than a bill dreamed up by pot consumers themselves.

6) Alaska
Alaska is already a pothead's paradise, and the state could move quickly to bring order to its ambiguous marijuana law. Cannabis has been effectively legal in Alaska since 1975, when the state supreme court, drawing on the unique privacy protections of the Alaska constitution, declared that authorities can't prohibit modest amounts of marijuana in the home of state residents.

That gave Alaskans the right to have up to four ounces – and 24 plants – in their homes. Following a failed bid to fully legalize pot at the ballot box in 2004 (the measure fell 56-44), the state legislature attempted to enforce prohibition, outlawing all weed in 2006. But citing the 1975 precedent, a judge later ruled the home exemption must be respected, though she sought to limit legal possession to a single ounce.

If taxation and regulation take root in nearby Washington, and perhaps more important in neighboring British Columbia (where legalization is also being considered), a ballot initiative in Alaska could win in an avalanche.

7) Vermont
Last year, Vermont finally normalized its medical marijuana law, establishing a system of government-sanctioned dispensaries. In November, the state's Democratic governor, Peter Shumlin, just cruised to re-election while strongly backing marijuana decriminalization. The city of Burlington, meanwhile, passed a nonbinding resolution in November calling for an end to prohibition – with 70 percent support. The Green Mountain State has already embraced single-payer universal health care. Legal pot cannot be far behind.




Read more: [link to www.rollingstone.com]
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Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 07:46 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
left out michigan
Angry Hierophant

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12/28/2012 07:47 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
iwish
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 07:48 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
darn, where's FL?
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 07:52 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Washington pot smoker celebrates legalization by killing pedestrian :

[link to www.kgw.com]

"According to court documents, Scotty R. Rowles, 47, told the responding officer he had consumed "a bowl of marijuana" about "60-90 minutes" before the crash.

Rowles was administered a field sobriety and drug test and was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide."
TDJ

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12/28/2012 07:54 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Why not put it up for a national vote? I bet my state would be one of the last to legalize due to all the lies and brainwashing done by our unscrupulous federal govt
If something can corrupt you, you're corrupted already.

Bob Marley

“The duty of a patriot is to protect his country from its government.”
THOMAS PAINE (1737-1809)

Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one. Bruce Lee
Anonymous Coward (OP)
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12/28/2012 07:55 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Washington pot smoker celebrates legalization by killing pedestrian :

[link to www.kgw.com]

"According to court documents, Scotty R. Rowles, 47, told the responding officer he had consumed "a bowl of marijuana" about "60-90 minutes" before the crash.

Rowles was administered a field sobriety and drug test and was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide."
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30969028


I'm sure it was the marijuana

bsflag
TDJ

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12/28/2012 07:56 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Washington pot smoker celebrates legalization by killing pedestrian :

[link to www.kgw.com]

"According to court documents, Scotty R. Rowles, 47, told the responding officer he had consumed "a bowl of marijuana" about "60-90 minutes" before the crash.

Rowles was administered a field sobriety and drug test and was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide."
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30969028


Geeee, that sounds a little too convenient...no? Take your uninformed ass somewhere else
If something can corrupt you, you're corrupted already.

Bob Marley

“The duty of a patriot is to protect his country from its government.”
THOMAS PAINE (1737-1809)

Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one. Bruce Lee
AtsuiPanda

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12/28/2012 07:57 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Epic ^^
:/sdfhasdfshasd/:
Those who live by the sword die by the sword, those who don't live by the sword are subject to those who do.
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 07:59 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
I'm sure it was the marijuana
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 18329162
Geeee, that sounds a little too convenient...no? Take your uninformed ass somewhere else
 Quoting: TDJ
Just giving you guys the facts. But I don't expect anything other than denial from drug abusers.
Kirk

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12/28/2012 08:02 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Washington pot smoker celebrates legalization by killing pedestrian :

[link to www.kgw.com]

"According to court documents, Scotty R. Rowles, 47, told the responding officer he had consumed "a bowl of marijuana" about "60-90 minutes" before the crash.

Rowles was administered a field sobriety and drug test and was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide."
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30969028


and "A second driver nearly hit the man, she told KGW."
So we don't have the whole picture.
Government is a body largely ungoverned.
Paradise Havona

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12/28/2012 08:02 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Mississippi - the only state to grow pot legally by federal law..... will probably be the last state to actually legalize it.... figures
i get on this site... way too much
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 08:05 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Oh FFS people.

Don't we have bigger issues to deal with besides pot?

How old are you all?
Anonymous Coward (OP)
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12/28/2012 08:08 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Oh FFS people.

Don't we have bigger issues to deal with besides pot?

 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 8397139


Ya like the economy??!?!

Legalizing pot will create billions in tax revenue
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 08:12 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
I'm sure it was the marijuana
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 18329162
Geeee, that sounds a little too convenient...no? Take your uninformed ass somewhere else
 Quoting: TDJ
Just giving you guys the facts. But I don't expect anything other than denial from drug abusers.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30969028


I know right. I fucking can't stand petroleum addicts.
Angry Hierophant

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12/28/2012 08:19 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
It would be ok if the driver was drunk and not stoned, since alchohol is accepted by the social conventions of the conditioned populace as a normal and approved drug.
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 08:25 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Oh FFS people.

Don't we have bigger issues to deal with besides pot?

How old are you all?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 8397139


clappa
Anonymous Coward (OP)
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12/28/2012 08:28 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
It would be ok if the driver was drunk and not stoned, since alchohol is accepted by the social conventions of the conditioned populace as a normal and approved drug.
 Quoting: Angry Hierophant


rofl

So true
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 08:29 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Not gonna happen. No other States will legalize Marijuana. As a matter of fact Colorado and Washington will be reversed guarenteed.
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 08:31 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
I've heard you don't wanna be caught in Nevada with any grass. I know people that smoke all they got before crossing the state line.
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 08:39 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Oh FFS people.

Don't we have bigger issues to deal with besides pot?

 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 8397139


Ya like the economy??!?!

Legalizing pot will create billions in tax revenue
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 18329162


Not disagreeing with you but that will just give the politicians more money to waste.
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 08:44 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Oh FFS people.

Don't we have bigger issues to deal with besides pot?

How old are you all?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 8397139


clappa

fooking stoners
Anonymous Coward (OP)
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12/28/2012 08:51 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
For those opposed to marijuana due to lack of education or pure ignorance please understand pot will become more and more a part of our everyday lives wether you like it or not.

So get used to it.


peace
Anonymous Cowherder
Stop the inanity!

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12/28/2012 09:34 PM

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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Washington pot smoker celebrates legalization by killing pedestrian :

[link to www.kgw.com]

"According to court documents, Scotty R. Rowles, 47, told the responding officer he had consumed "a bowl of marijuana" about "60-90 minutes" before the crash.

Rowles was administered a field sobriety and drug test and was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide."
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30969028


you left out the bit about jaywalking...
Repeal the 17th Amendment and the Reapportionment Act of 1929!

Thread: First steps down the road to a return to the Constitutional Republic that we were intended to be.

Restore the Republic.

Thread: The Bill of Rights does NOT include age requirements!

It's a flower, not something to be feared.

cow - Moo!
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 10:39 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
darn, where's FL?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 7138989


FLORIDA HAS TOO MANY PILL POPPIN'

HARD DRINKIN'

TOBACCO SMOKIN'

REPUBLICANS,

who have ZERO compassion for anyone but themselves.
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 10:54 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Oh FFS people.

Don't we have bigger issues to deal with besides pot?

How old are you all?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 8397139


1. EAT A DICK.

2. it is THE BIGGEST ISSUE THERE IS;

this issue affects and effects MANY ISSUES;

health care,

religious freedom,

civil rights,

states rights,

abortion rights (it's MY body, NOT YOURS, so go fuck off)

GREEN, SUSTAINABLE, economy and civilization v/s self destructing economy and civilization,

RICH v/s POOR.

3. just fucking DEAL WITH IT ONE TIME,
and it will be over,
and you will never have to hear about it ever again, asshole.

4. How old are you ??? 90 ????
mathetes

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12/28/2012 11:03 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
As someone that was deathly ill for more than 4 yrs & was prescribed pain pills 4x a day for that time period, I have a little diff perspective than the average joe..(btw I'm a lifelong Republican) Marijuana DOES relive pain in a way that pain pills do not, thank God I need neither now, but its ridiculous to deny this natural herb to those who need it
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 11:13 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
It would be ok if the driver was drunk and not stoned, since alchohol is accepted by the social conventions of the conditioned populace as a normal and approved drug.
 Quoting: Angry Hierophant


yeah vehicular homocide's a real hoot.

fucking idiot.
Anonymous Coward
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12/28/2012 11:26 PM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
What do all of those states have in common? None of them are remotely close to anywhere a sane person would want to live.

When will states like Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina or Kentucky legalize? I ain't moving way out west or way up north to enjoy something that should already be legal. I want it in a state I could actually move to and live in.

Screw the west. Too many mexicans and anti gun nuts. Same with the north except the mexicans. Plus the climate sucks for growing it.

Come on Mid-Atlantic! Get on the ball already!!
Anonymous Coward
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12/29/2012 12:02 AM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
re;
2) California
" Prop 19 failed 53-47, and pot advocates are determined not to run another initiative in an "off-year" election, likely putting ballot-box legalization off for four years.
"2016 is a presidential election year, which brings out more of the youth vote we need," said Amanda Reiman, who heads up the Drug Policy Alliance's marijuana reform in California. "

THAT IS THE STINKIEST BULLSHIT !!

the problem was not "an "off-year" election",

the problem was that Prop 19 was a BULLSHIT INNITIATIVE, that gave away too much to the prohibitionists, to try to "win them over".

so, what the fuck happened to the 2012 'ON-YEAR' INNITIATIVE in CALIFORNIA ???

IT WAS TOO GOOD,
(no stupid one ounce limits, no giving away our driving rights automatically, without even a field sobriety test)
SO IT WAS NOT SUPPORTED AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN by NORML and drug policy alliance.

and yet a stinker like Prop 19 got a shitload of press coverage.

i FORMALLY accuse NORML and drug policy alliance of attempting small, slow, incremental changes to the law,
THAT WILL NEVER, EVER, RESULT IN FULL LEGALIZATION,

when the law must simply be OVERTURNED, IN TOTAL.

just like we did with alcohol prohibition.

if NORML and drug policy alliance was in charge of ending alcohol prohibition, beer and wine would be legal, up to 20 ounces, and no booze or wine coolers.

(the 'L' in 'NORML' does NOT stand for LEGALIZATION, by the way.)
Anonymous Coward
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12/29/2012 12:05 AM
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Re: The next 7 states to legalize Marijuana
Washington pot smoker celebrates legalization by killing pedestrian :

[link to www.kgw.com]

"According to court documents, Scotty R. Rowles, 47, told the responding officer he had consumed "a bowl of marijuana" about "60-90 minutes" before the crash.

Rowles was administered a field sobriety and drug test and was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide."
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 30969028


Geeee, that sounds a little too convenient...no? Take your uninformed ass somewhere else
 Quoting: TDJ


Are you doubting this could happen in the entire state of Washington?





GLP