NORML Breaking News: Marijuana Legalization Bills Introduced In Massachusetts!
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March 23, 2009
UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! Listen to the NORML Audio Stash today (March 25) for a discussion of Massachusetts’ tax and regulate proposals with Richard Evans. Click here to tune in.California’s highly publicized effort to legalize the commercial cultivation and sale of cannabis is getting some well-deserved company!
A pair of bills — House Bill 2929 and Senate Bill 1801 — seeking to “tax and regulate the cannabis industry” have just been introduced in the Massachusetts legislature.
These proposals seek to legally regulate the commercial production and distribution of marijuana for adults over 21 years of age. Like California’s proposal, they would impose licensing requirements and excise taxes on the retail sale of cannabis. By some estimates, these taxes could raise nearly $100 million in annual state revenue.
Adults who possess or grow marijuana for personal use, or who engage in the non-profit transfer of cannabis, would not be subject to taxation under the law.
You can read more about these bills at the new website: http://www.cantaxreg.com. If you live in Massachusetts, we urge you to write your elected officials in support of H. 2929 and S. 1801 by going here.
“Decades of whispered grumblings about the wisdom and efficacy of prohibition is rapidly giving way to a serious—really serious public discussion about how to replace it,” said former NORML Board Member Richard Evans, who assisted in drafting the landmark legislation. “Those who consider themselves leaders in government and the media have the obligation to either show how prohibition can be made to work, or join in the exploration of alternatives.”
We can’t think of a better place to begin this discussion on the east coast than Massachusetts, where last November 65 percent of voters endorsed a statewide initiative reclassifying marijuana possession as a fine-only offense under state law. Will a majority of Bay State voters also support legalization? We may soon find out!
293 Responses to “NORML Breaking News: Marijuana Legalization Bills Introduced In Massachusetts!”
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RE: Bob/Comment #149–
The Act establishes seven license categories: cultivation, processing, trade, retail, import, farmer-processor-retailer and research. Except for the farmer-processor-retailer, no single person or business entity may be licensed for for more than one function. Fees are established for each category of license, and an excise is imposed on the product. Cannabis would be sold only to adults, in 1-oz. packages identifying the origin, and with tax stamps affixed. **Like making one’s own beer or wine today, personal cultivation and possession is outside the statute.**
President Obama: Stop Marijuana Arrests
Dear Readers,
We wanted to send you an important action alert on behalf of a campaign by the Drug Policy Alliance asking President Obama to stop the arrest of consenting adults for using or growing marijuana for personal, medical, or research purposes.
President Obama himself smoked marijuana, but few people think he deserved to be put in jail for it. At least three other presidents have smoked marijuana, and they too didn’t deserve to be jailed for it. But if that’s the case, the hundreds of thousands of marijuana arrests that happen each year in this country are complete hypocrisy.
The president agrees that we should be treating drug use as a health issue and not a criminal justice one. His attorney general indicated recently that the U.S. Justice Department is going to stop wasting federal resources arresting medical marijuana patients and providers. Together, we can end the senseless, violent prohibition on marijuana, if the president will stop arresting people now for what he has done himself.
Join the movement to tell President Obama to stop the senseless violence of the prohibition on marijuana today.
Click here to sign the petition:
http://www.change.org/drugpolicy/actions/view/stop_marijuana_arrests
Thanks,
- The Change.org Team
I hope people see this it was mailed to me from change.org go sign the petition its really fast. thx!
Check out section 9:
1-5% THC by volume taxed 150$ per ounce or 5.2$ per gram
5-10% 200$/ ounce or 7$/Gram
10+% 250%/ ounce 10$/Gram
So if a company is to sell headies for 20$/g they have 10$ margin to work with in terms of cultivation and profit… not bad
I love my weed too but its not gonna happen I’m not getting my hopes up only to have them crushed back down by bible-humpers.
Hmm, makes me feel like moving to Massaachussets. Want to bet their tax revenue explodes after this move?
TO ERIC COMMENT #2: SHUTUP. thank you.
Wow. Are my representatives suddenly cool? Is the fog of lies lifting? It would seem pretty damn obvious that the 65% of people who voted to decriminalize pot would also vote in favor of full legalization. Imagine if your public servants served you!
Politicians could ease our state’s financial crisis (I think Cali has one of those too) while simultaneously coming off as heroes to a whole generation of young people who are much smarter than the BS drug war propaganda pushers. With Mass being $3.1 billion in the hole, an extra hundred million from taxes would be sweet. Oh, plus the absence of the costs of having to prosecute harmless potheads.
Plus, can’t forget the tourism. I mean, if I’m from Rhode Island and I can go to Boston and smoke a joint on the Freedom Trail! There’s a deep beauty in that which goes way beyond pot.
living in mass for over 15 years i can personally say that the only reason this bill would ever even be passed is because these politicians love taxes. then again they arent nearly as ahead of this issue as the public is. i would put my money on it that this bill is going to pass.
legalize or legal-lies!
Wooooo!!!!!!!!!!!
soo once cali and mach. legalize looks like we have 48 more to go!
If it happens, I’d go an visit at least once a month and spend my hard earned money… It would be great to visit old friends and spark a couple of FATTY’s….
***HOOTA-HOOTA-HOOTA***
It is injustice for Government to steel our lives through imprisonment,… Or taxation.! A $4000 a pound tax is theft plain and simple!
I really can’t see what all of you are so happy about. Your smoke is about to more than double in price.
For what?
Did potheads cause the second great depression?
If not why in the Fuck should we pay for it?
Isn’t this just the government and corporations taking over the weed business?
SAY NO TO GOVERNMENT WEED!
I have a lot of vacation time to use up and I’d love to spend a bunch of it (and my money) in Cali if things go well on March 31.
C’MON AB 390!!
I think it’s HIGH time I visited by god-parents in Massachussetts
to mario #206.
Eric #2 has a valid point. The age for weed shouldn’t be based on the age for alchohol. Cigs are legal at 18, and we all know that they are way worse than weed. Think about it, if the age is at 21, there is a whole lot of adults between the age of 18-21 that can still get in trouble for weed. and that just aint right, y’all
I, for one, hope they DON’T legalize it – then it’ll cost more! If you’re smart about it, you’re not going to get caught. Problem is, most people are stupid. For goodness sake, just smoke indoors, and keep your sh*t hidden!
But granted, I can see the argument to legalize – people just don’t want to go to jail if you DO happen to get caught. But I do believe it’s a person’s civil right to be able to put anything in your body they want.
Most people don’t realize that it’ll never become legal, at least in the near future.. can you imagine how the cigarette and alcohol companies would lose tons of sales? It’s the tobacco & alcohol lobbyists that bribe the lawmakers, and keep it illegal. And everyone knows that the CIA is the biggest importer of cocaine in the U.S.. if they ended the prohibition on that, the government would lose yet more money.. we’re talking BILLIONS.
These 3 bills in CA and Mass are great steps toward our freedom. Once again Cannibis is getting the media attention it deserves. Good, honest American Citizens like Ron Paul, Barney Frank, Tom Ammiano, Montell Williams, Drew Carey, Mason Tvert, Rob Kampia, and Paul Armento are out there fighting the good fight, and I believe it’s working. I’m from California and will pay any tax that is imposed on Cannibis, the reason is that I will would love nothing more than to support our laws by not buying from a black market source and also fund our schools, infrastructure, and millions of other state programs. I think as an American who believes it is his right to smoke Cannibis in the comfort of his own home without fear of reprisal I am duty bound to support local businesses and our State and Federal economies by buying legal, taxed, DOMESTIC Cannibis, IF they are finally willing to listen to the people instead of deciding for them. I am also glad that our Cannibis advocates are touching on the Mexican cartel violence that is now spilling over into the U.S. Peace, love, and happiness to you all.
*Enough* with the republican bashing. Don’t stereotype. I’m a republican in MA and I support this. We (smokers) don’t like being called “stoner losers living in our mom’s basement”! Don’t pull that same sterotype BS on republicans – real conservatives who like small government are your allies!
Oklahoma has some of the more severe laws on cannabis possession. We need help in Oklahoma changing attitudes about medicinal use and ending cannabis prohibition. Please help!
Not to bust any bubbles…
but the lawmakers in CA, at least the ones I have contacted, are unwilling to vote for AB390. I hope it has a strong showing however and passes, but I’m not sure.
Whatever happens we need to…
continue contacting your local representatives and friends as well. After all, this is simply an unjust and immoral war against a PLANT. Continue writing letter, calling, and emailing!
We need some arm twisting to get this one passed. Put the pressure on these politicians but be nice
I read an article yesterday stating that the mexican drug cartels are now operating in 230 U.S. cities. At the same time, it is now well accepted that the drug cartels cannot survive and thrive without the government-sponsored black market.
Our political “leaders” have not had the stones to stand up to the religious and morality zealots, who are blinded to the fact that their methods guarantee the very behavior they wish to eradicate We should not be surprised if we see these same “leaders” subjected to threats, intimidation and corruption when they are forced to consider legislation to legalize cannabis, as is now pending in California and Massachusetts.
Is it realistic for us to expect these “leaders” to stand up to the tactics of the drug cartels? We may find that the best way to accomplish our goal will be through the ballot initiative process.
I am most pleased to hear about this. I hope it passes brilliantly.
On the federal level all they need to do is change the legal status of of MJ, and reallocate DEA resources now deployed prohibiting MJ, to the newly renamed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Cannabis…. It could go into effect in months.
Sorry folks, these bills aren’t going anywhere. Notice the phrase “by request” next to the co-sponsor. This means that the sponsor of the bill doesn’t plan to support it, but just filed it to appease a citizen. So don’t get too excited.
Hey all,
I’m not a cannabis user, but I sure as HELL used to be.
At 49 I know this – I’d not have my home OR family, as the prison guard union/uniform company/lock and bar corporation PACs sponsored get-tough legislation.
Yep. Look it up. sickening.
SO, YES to legalized EVERYTHING not prohibited in the BILL OF RIGHTS>
and btw
I’m taking APRIL 15th OFF, I’m going to smoke marlboro lights, but you smoke your choice – and I’m rereading the ASSEMBLY manual for DEMOCRACY.
THE DEC OF INDEPENDENCE.
You see, we break the LAW and forsake DUTY if we DON’T fight back right now.
Liberty in our lifetime, freedom and prosperity for our kids.
My name is John Hubertz, citizen and PATRIOT
Oh and by the WAY.
THEY don’t follow europe’s lead because imprisoning and probationing and house-arresting US is BIG MONEY.
OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM IS NOT MY GOVERNMENT UNTIL A FIREMAN OR TEACHER OR YOU CAN RUN FOR ELECTION TO NATIONAL OFFICE AND HAVE A CHANCE AGAINST DONATION-FUELED CORPORATE SUPER-CITIZEN CANDIDATES.
They cruise by in OUR limousines, talking on OUR cellphones… but not to us. They talk agenda ONLY with corporate multinational corporate stateless soulless no-accountability organizations that have NO criminal liability.
They profit, we suffer – and our markets lie open for foreign products while our kids work menial jobs.
You know what – I’m still by GOD John Hubertz, and btw, I’m a Kentucky Colonel – thus I know the difference between TRUTH and CHICKENSHIT sold as freedom but poisoning us with international shame and concentration camps.
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP IS TO BLAME – ALL MULTINATS SHOULD BE INSPECTED IN COMMERCE AS POTENTIAL ADVERSARIES AND NATIONLESS DICTATOR STATES.
Of the people, people. Governing requires the consent of the folks being governed.
Heh.
Glad to be alive. I don’t care if you are a militia gun-nut or a tree-hugging gay cracksmoking naked septic pond swimmer, carry a flag, fight tyranny nonviolently – you’re welcome as a neighbor and at my dinner table.
Care for a mint julep? You can use one of your own sprigs!
Aside from the high fees and taxes,
*(#37 jd said that “that $150 tax on dirt is excessive”,
and I agree with this;
Perhaps the tax-rates could be adjusted after licensed, regulated cannabis is established)*,
The Massachusetts bills are detailed and very well written,
(in manner similar to present alcohol regulation),
more so than California’s AB 390,
which is just a flat $50 / ounce tax, regardless of THC content,
whereas the Massachusetts bills specify certain minimum levels for each quality-grade, and taxing these accordingly.
My favorite part of this bill is…
Section 4(r).
PURITY: Freedom from substances not indigenous to cannabis, except for water.
I live in NY and the news the other night was talking about MA de-crim pot but charging a huge fine of $300, here in NY it’s only $100. But to tax it $250 seems real high, as others have said, people will still get it black market for less. But then if they get caught with it they can’t get in trouble, so the black market sales will skyrocket. Not good if the state means to make money off it. So I don’t think it’ll pass. But it’ll get attention so the next bill that comes along has a better chance of getting passed, and that one may be better for all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUcXi7n7PMU
Please visit http://www.campaignforliberty.com
You know who not to vote for next election. Obama will not legalize. He is also incredibly condescending. Wake up!
[...] of eliminating criminal penalties for all adults who possess and use cannabis. And lawmakers in Massachusetts and California are now debating legally regulating marijuana [...]
[...] of eliminating criminal penalties for all adults who possess and use cannabis. And lawmakers in Massachusetts and California are now debating legally regulating marijuana outright. The American public is ready [...]
I live in CA, have a medical pot prescription, and grow my own “medicine.” The CA bill is such that people like myself will NOT be taxed, nor will small, personal, pot growers be affected. The way we’ve legislated pot out here is usually through state initiatives. This is how we passed our medical pot law in 1996. The initiative started among the voting public, was presented to our state congress, and ultimately, voted into law.
Hopefully, MA can do a similar thing. BTW, I don’t understand why some folks are upset with the “age” being 21, instead of 18. For us Californians, the legal drinking age here IS 21, so we have no problem with similar age criteria for marijuana use.
I also suggest, no matter WHAT state you live in, that you support pro-legislation efforts, because the main thing is to get it going — you can “fine-tune” it as you “go along.”
Obama’s recent inappropriately “humorous” comments about us pro-legalization advocates was NOT funny! I thought he “got it,” about the need for marijuana law reform, especially because the new AG has stopped ALL DEA raids on patients, physicians, and providers of medical pot who are in compliance with their respective state laws.
His latest remarks are disappointing, to say the least. His words don’t dampen my fervent pro-pot advocacy, though, and I’m sending e-mails almost everyday to my elected officials, urging them to once-and-for-all, END THE WAR ON MARIJUANA at both the state and federal levels. I’ve been working at this since 1967 in CA, and I’m now able to reap the rewards of all that activism! You CAN make a difference, and you CAN effect change! Don’t let TPTB (The-Powers-That-Be) silence you with intimidation. The First Amendment guarantees us Freedom of Speech, so SPEAK UP! And do it NOW, not later…!
[...] Politicians in three additional statesall adults who possess and use cannabis. And lawmakers in Massachusetts and California are now debating legally regulating marijuana outright. heard testimony this week in [...]
High,
I would like to share the letter I sent to the White House. Please share your feelings with our President as well.
Mr. President,
I am one of the many thousands of people who believe in the ideals represented by the American Dream. We used the open forum today to tell you that we feel cannabis legalization IS important. I inhale and have been since long time now. I was inhaling on the streets with Reverend King in Memphis, I was inhaling when Dr. Elders told me she would support medical marijuana,.like you said, “That was the point.”
Please pay attention to us, we are the last “niggers” being abused in America. I will not bore you with the numbers–we represent too many people in the prisons and too much money to be ignored– I want to sit on the front of the bus for a change and inhale as I please.
Get real and keep the peace.
Sincerely, very sincerely,
Sam Smith
–
“All truth passes through three stages: first it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed, and third it is accepted as self-evident.”
Arthur Schopenhauer, 19th Century Philosopher
It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.
Voltaire
I always knew Mass/Cal were the best states, mountains, flat land, the ocean, four seasons, and GREEN
“Why is the age for all of these proposals set at 21? What’s wrong with age 18?”
its better for people that way , cuz your brain isn’t fully “grown” or matured until your 20 or something
Waste of time… Until the media sides with Marijuana reform and changes public opinion on it the topic will still be political suicide and will never be pushed into legislation. We have to get the media involved and get them to start reporting fairly on cannabis first.
This is amazing. I think this is REALLY going to be a great year. GO CA AND MA!! I pray CA 280 passes after hearing about opposition. But I’m more hopeful that MA bill will pass it sounds like more people there are pro-legalization anyway!!
GOD I doubt Georgia’s deep south conservative ass will ever do anything like this. Maybe we can get a bill for Atlanta to decriminalize! Or by that time a federal law will have changed? Who knows? Come on Barney Frank!!
You realize that if a tax stamp becomes smudged, damaged, or otherwise marred, it becomes invalid. And that anyone in possession of or selling a bag with an INVALID stamp will be subject to the FULL existing current penalties for GROWING/SALE OF UP TO 50 POUNDS. And that any sellers or growers will be subject to inspection by “agents” of a currently nonexistent body, with the right to revoke your license to grow/sell at any time for any reason, leaving you vulnerable to the aforementioned 50 pound sale penalty?
Yea!
i have faith in our fellow state of Massachusetts.
Well, it’s not that great. It creates the FALSE idea that high-THC pot is BAD, and imposes all sorts of other regulatory things that don’t really make sense other than to create a meaningless bureaucracy. It seems to have been written with Mexican schwag in mind as it targets sensimilla type weed and makes it permanently expensive. In those ways, it gives the pro-pot community a masochist reputation – WHY ARE WE DOING THIS TO OURSELVES???? There should not be insane rules being created in the name of PROHIBITIONIST bullshit.
The extraordinary taxes in this bill will keep marijuana underground. Most people will be unwilling to pay these ridiculous tax rates, so will buy from unlicensed dealers/growers offering better bargains. Sure, people might get the stuff for free and not incur any penalties. But, since there’s a lot of bucks to be made, underground pot will remain big. Legalization is great, but not this way.
Yes the evil growers, according to the law, will be afforded certain rights to Import mexican shwag seeds but must have this right governed by their inferiors, the Packagers. These Packagers will provide seed, then, to the growers, since the person who wrote this law is such a genius as to take in the entire canna trade from on high and pierce right through it. Sensimilla growers need sellers to provide them seeds. Any thinking person would make that a law and seek to illegally control trade through it and other measures.
i think that weed should be legal it doesnt harm you a bad a cigs u just get high and it relaxes you the only reason that it is not legal yet is because they cant find a way to tax it. it is just like alcohol was back in the day. yea i am a stoner i love to get high i get high like everyday and all the the bullshit bout it slowin down your reaction time and all that is bull to you are more alert then wen you are sober. i think that all the politics just need to roll them a fatass joint or a blunt and smoke up and find out for them self
I think that weed is AWESOME. LAWLZ #1 STONUR
SWEET!
…took ‘em long enough.
I disagree with this bill, i was addicted to marijuana for 5 years, haven’t smoked in 2, never been happier with my life! wish i didn’t waste all those moments ruining my healthy lungs. I feel it will have a negative effect overall on our nation… leave us in a blur… i don’t wanna c a bunch of zombies walking around everywhere… it may help the economy, but its not going to evolve our minds… you have to do that on your own, with out drugs. LOVE AND PEACE
[...] of eliminating criminal penalties for all adults who possess and use cannabis. And lawmakers in Massachusetts and California are now debating legally regulating marijuana [...]
[...] of eliminating criminal penalties for all adults who possess and use cannabis. And lawmakers in Massachusetts and California are now debating legally regulating marijuana [...]
massachusetts in the House….
this will be an interesting issue to follow. I scanned the legislation and its reminds me why we are called Taxachusetts…. 250oz…dam thats a lot. I think that its the beginning of the end for prohibition