California: Lawmakers Cast First Vote In Nearly 100 Years To Repeal Marijuana Prohibition
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January 12, 2010
Lawmakers on the California Assembly, Committee on Public Safety, voted 4 to 3 today in favor of Assembly Bill 390: The Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education Act — which seeks to legalize the production, distribution, and personal use of marijuana for adults age 21 and older. The vote is first time since 1913, when California became one of the first states in the nation to criminalize the use and possession of marijuana, that lawmakers have called for the repeal of cannabis prohibition.“Today’s vote marks the first time in nearly a century that California lawmakers have reassessed this failed criminal policy,” said NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano. “Any risks presented by the use of marijuana by adults falls within the ambit of choice we should permit individuals in a free society. It’s time replace the failings of marijuana prohibition with a policy of legalization, regulation and education. Today’s vote is a significant, albeit first step in this direction.”
Further Committee votes on AB 390 are unlikely to take place this session because of legislative calendar restraints. However, the bill’s sponsor, San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, said that he would likely reintroduce a similar version of the bill later this month.
Registered supporters for the measure included: the AFL-CIO, the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the California Public Defenders Association, among others.
Registered opponents of the bill included: the California Fraternal Order of Police, the California Narcotics Officers Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, the California State Sheriffs’ Association, the California Peace Officers’ Association, and the California District Attorneys Association.
Voting ‘yes’ on the bill were Ammiano, Assemblyman Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael and Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley. Voting no were Assemblyman Warren Furutani, D-Gardena (Los Angeles County), Assemblyman Danny Gilmore, R-Hanford (Kings County) and Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills (San Bernardino County).
Archived footage of today’s historic vote is available on the California Channel here.
121 Responses to “California: Lawmakers Cast First Vote In Nearly 100 Years To Repeal Marijuana Prohibition”
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tho the political blah blah is more forceful and positive than ever, we continue to live under the same vampire shadow of the 1970 nixon hippie hatin controlled substance act.
what we need is a few thousand stoners to surround the dea to hold hands chant and levitate … the dea, forcing the repeal of the drug war against us all.
thanks abby
In reference to the video from the posted link:
It wouldn’t surprise me if the DEA paid the first speaker of the opposition (time around 15:00) to say some crazy script. Who else would make outlandish claims that NORML and other marijuana advocates are part of an “evil scheme”. She basically claimed supporters (mainly NORML) as terrorists. Also she states that we would have to worry about bus drivers, care takers (mainly around children), and other public safety employees. Sorry, but the bill doesn’t require changing of drug testing, so your point is invalid. Maybe it’s just my altered state of mind, but it sounds possible.
[Paul Armentano responds: The first speaker for the opposition was former Deputy Drug Czar Andrea Barthwell. She was no doubt paid by the opposition to be there, as she lives in Illinois, not California. She has been spreading lies about NORML and its supporters for years. She was allotted only 3 minutes to speak, but she completely ignored the rules that the Committee Chairs and all parties had agreed to beforehand.]
The reasons that organizations and individuals oppose legalization are disgusting and irrational. In one article I read regarding this, there was a quote from a politician, who said, “Taking tax dollars in exchange for human misery is despicable and appalling.” He was referring to the fact that legalizing cannabis would cause “great social harms”, when actually it would reduce violence, increase freedom and peace, and ease the state’s revenue crisis, albeit by a little.
The misery caused to people who get arrested for possession is outrageous. If people could truly understand the horrible experiences that other humans are forced through, for a reason as stupid as holding a plant, they would not stand for this. In addition, the suppression of industrial and medical use is also horrendous, even more so than recreational.
Well this is a shot in the arm of freedom! Looks like the only opposition to show were those who enforce the lose of freedom. Well aint that just telling!
Looks as though the drug worriers will have to either do some real “serve and protect” or get a new “adrinaline booster” (job) one day, hopefully soon.
This is a big blow to the police state, a nice”We’re not gonna take it…NO! We’re not gonna take it …anymoreeee!!” Stuff that in your pipe and smoke it big brother!
Mmmm, maybe they are realizing that perscription drugs are KILLING people…everyday. Natural medication is here for a reason. Sort of like everything else the good lord has PUT here.
Cali today…. The rest of the States tomorow.
Im in Oregon and very excited and jealous…
Bad cop, no donut.
#13 dax: do you believe all use to be abuse? if so, the government already supports substance abuse by it’s tacit support of alcohol.
#13 Is from one of those support groups that lost. or the man is very uninformed, We are not compaining about Healthcare.We have said over and over again this is the Healthcare that is needed.WAKE UP AND LISTEN
I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and i know that the medicine they give me to take for that (benzodiazipines), do not help nearly as much a marijuana.
Way to go Cali..Indiana needs to get on the ball!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2LnEQFgUL4
“…the times they are a-chaaaaanging…”
Yes!
it should be noted that the big media outlets aren’t running the news, sad to say. It is all about control, and the media outlets fill their own pockets by bowing to big business. it is one small step, but it is a step in the right direction. we can all hang together, or we will all be hanged separately. it still applies today as much as it did in 1776. i’ve wondered out loud how “we the people” could have a national ballot initiative, by petition, of, by, and for, the people, to put the drug nazification warriors back where they came from.
[Paul Armentano responds: Every major national media outlet that I'm aware of -- including the New York Times, CNN, and even Drudge -- covered this story. I'm even quoted in the Christian Science Monitor's coverage. There is no national ballot initiative, and only about one out of two states allow for statewide initiatives.]
This Vote is the best thing that has happened in my lifetime(over 40 years). It’s hard to imagine and accept that freedom is coming after decades of Republican totalitarian fascist police state rule. We all have good friends in California and if cannabis is legalized we would all love to move there. I doubt that New York state will ever become cool, it’s so dubious here!
i wonder whats gonna happen when ppl flood to cali and there is no work.then the states they leave behind will lose population aka funding and workers.
yeah the authorities would rather let child molesters aka “chomo’s” lol to go free on probation, and are fine with that, and lock up people for marijuana….hmmm i would think that theywould be more terrified about the pervs running around town than they are about adults enjoying marijuana in the comforts of their own home. Also as far as thedriving under the influence thing, there is a new breathalyzer or however you spell itcoming out soon, its already been made and i think sony made it, and it can detect if you are currently high on marijuana, alcohol….. well everything there is out there actually. so maybe someone should bring this up at these debates so they combat the statements made by the opposition?
you notice the only ones opposing the bill are the body snatchers that profit from ruining peoples lives,the cops,lawyers,prison guards. the maggots of the civilized world. cops R evil and so are judges,lawyers. restore freedom to america. It is not the land of the free. two wars,economy shot and we are spending billions to ruin lives and break up families. legalize cannabis .
Legalization for adults initiative filed in Washington State!!
http://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/people.aspx
i hope New York is payin close attention to this ! i gotta call all my reps to see if they are aware of this amazin change in california.
13 used to be in law enforcement im sure
anyways its obvious that the law enforcement is against what is right
they have absolutely no arguement besides saying how drug use and users are immoral.
all they care about is their jobs and money, and not at all about the people and society that they SERVE. look at how easy it is for those with the power to abuse it and use it to serve their own purposes, instead of what is best for society.
this isnt the united states that i learned about in school
if this isnt truly EVIL then tell me what is
all police are is a bunch of schoolyard bullies who in in the business to bring money to the state in the form of law enforcement.
where would all those institutions be if police weren’t sending drug users (and otherwise noncriminals) to the courts and then the courts tell these people they are addicted and that they must seek treatment.
What is Califonia doing right that the rest of us aren’t?
I hope this begins a domino effect!
Number 13 “So, people want the government to support substance abuse, but still complain about healthcare? wat?”
Who the HELL said anything about “abuse”? We are talking about responsible, regulated use.
This is about cutting the throats of the drug-cartels before they, literally, cut any more real throats. This is about regulation of a plant that has always been a part of human existence. This is about repealing draconian laws based on racism, misinformation and a warped protection of pharmaceutical companies (goes without saying) and law enforcement. That’s right, I said it. Law enforcement is an organization that RELIES on causing undue harm on people to facilitate funding. It’s a revenue thing for law enforcement period. They aren’t stupid and with the volumes of scientific data on health and societal impact at hand from a myriad of sources from all over the world, they LOSE! They are fear peddlers basing their position on assumptions and emotions….WE base ours on FACTS!
What are they going to do when prison populations start to thin out? What are they going to do when their helicopter crews are grounded and are no longer needed to spend thousands of hours cruising remote areas? What are they going to do when that chunk of “crime” that they rely on for such a huge part of their lively hoods “POOF” go up in smoke? Sorry Charlie, make your money helping people, not screwing them. Focus those freed up resources on getting rid of meth, coke and heroin. Real poisons, substances that actually destroy the mind, body and spirit.
This is about freeing an individual to enjoy their lives with a SAFE alternative to the poisonous alcohol with our fear of persecution. This is about saving BILLIONS of dollars, money used to HARM people by imprisoning them and ruining their lives. Better to use this money to help people live a better quality of life. Plus the revenue it will generate will undoubtedly lead to a higher quality of life for every one as taxes relax and resources come available for the betterment of every one. Courtesy of your friendly neighborhood pot smoker.
A hand can be used to punch some one or it can be used to shake their hand. It’s time the state STOPS punching people and being a little more realistic and compassionate to the individuals desire to consume this harmless plant RESPONSIBLY.
The majority is reaching out to the state…Are we a democracy or a dictatorship?
I’m happy to see a majority yes vote, but I am not concerened about the fact that its probbaly going to die before Health gets to hear and vote on the bill. Honestly, I would rather see the people of California vote on the Marijuana Tax initiative in November and pass legalization that way just like we did for medical marijuana back in ’96. In the hands of voters the bill wont get re-written and F’d up like it would be if its voted in by legislature. GO CALIFORNIA!!!
LEGALIZE IN NOVEMBER BY VOICE OF THE PEOPLE!!!
Ok, so this is only a committee vote, it has to pass the Health Committee also. Do we really think it will? Then, how is the state going to enforce a tax on it? $50 an ounce. So, I have to add $6.25 to every 1/8th I sell or buy? I love the idea but, I dont see it affecting the state debt at all. Just means I can grow and smoke with out repercussions. How can you tax the Black Market?
Oh, and for everyone saying “time to moive to Cali” its still expensive here and growers are a dime a dozen with deep roots and Purple thumbs. Good luck!!!
If the government keeps spending money, their going to have to do something or go broke.. Im a Recreational user myself, Its no different from alcohol, the only reason its not accepted is society won’t accept it, while they set there drinking their scotch voting against it. The way marijauna is potrayed, its drugs, its bad for ya.. well alcohol isn’t good for you either and its drugs.. but they won’t tell you that..
alcohol is accepted by most of society there for its ok to drink…look in the history books at the real reason marijauna was outlawed.. It has something to do with dupont chemical company..it was outlawed then for other reasons besides consumption..and has been every since..
And I agree taxing and leagalizing it would bring revenue in for who ever is smart enough to leagalize it..
It was the same cold tired arguments from the prohib side. They act asthought legalizing wil suddenly provide the public with a product that is unabtainable now. Where dont they get that ANYONE can get it now. I see where they used amsterdam as a tool. Stated there were more criminal elemants in Amsterdam AFTER they legalized cuase they can from other countries that still had prohibition. SO, they basicly admitted that crime surrounding cannabis sales IS caused by prohibition, NOT legalization or the plant its self. If ALL nations legalized cannabis(and all drugs for that matter) taxed and regulate/educate It would remove almost all crime associated with it.
You have to know that legalizing in CA will cause crimnials to move there , may cause borderwars with other states, thats where the dominos start to fall. Many states are hooked at the hip, what one does the other eventually will to. Ever cook some good food and the smell made your neighbor hungry so they started cooking to? UUUmmm boy! cannabis does smell good huh?
I just hope Marlboro or any other big tobbacco company doesnt come in and start growing so much weed for commercial sales that us individuals with dreams to make some extra money growing what we love wont be able to because big tobbacco got the monopoly. I hope big tobacco doesnt monopoize on this.
I can’t believe this day has come, MOMENTUM IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH!!! We must unite and stay active! Go to TheWeedBlog.Com to comment about this issue and many other issues facing marijuana consumers and medical patients.
Thank God!! There might be some sanity at the end of the tunnel after all. As for 13. Dax-If you want to try and run other people’s lives, go join the Taliban. Otherwise, I suggest you re-read the Constitution of the United States and mind your own business, which is all cannabis consumers have ever wanted. FREEDOM AND LIBERTY!!!!!
[...] January 13, 2010 · Leave a Comment OUR FRIENDS AT NORML: [...]
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT
It is the objective of the Genesist Faith to organize and unite its adherents throughout the world. The incentive of the Genesist Faith is, and always will be, “THE CERTAINTY OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.” It is therefore the intent and purpose of the Genesist Faith to invoke the “FREE EXERCISE THEREOF” clause in Article I of the Constitution of the United States of America, and the Religious Freedom Act of 1993 as a “CONSCIENCE CLAUSE.” A conscience clause is a clause in a law exempting those whose religious or moral principles forbid compliance.
God/L has given us the priviledge and responsibility of “FREE CHOICE.” We have the capacity and obligation to make the kind of choices that shape the world we are a part of. It’s our “FREE CHOICES” that makes the world the way it is. Genesists are under obligation to L with liberty of conscience. A part of that obligation is the way we treat our fellow man with the inherent goodness of humanity. Therefore, Genesists lawfully assemble in our faith, holding our Constitution as absolute. Our grievance as a faith based community is that government’s intransigent denial of our religious right and spiritual activity or “FREE EXERCISE THEREOF” is absolutely unacceptable, and Genesists invoke a conscience clause.
DOCTRINE OF GENESISTS
Without exemption (circumscription-qaulification) no person(s) shall make any law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibitiing the “FREE EXERCISE THEREOF.” Genesists are free to profess and maintain their opinion in matters of religion, and the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or effect their civil capacities. Genesists shall not suffer on account of their religious opinions or beliefs…for whosoever would stand on a Genesit’s path of religious freedom (individual freedom) and rattle their sword…
such act provokes infringement of the “NATURAL RIGHTS OF MANKIND,” the priviledges and advantages to which in common with their fellow Genesists, he or she has a “NATURAL RIGHT.”
I think maybe the article wasn’t detailed enough, judging by some of the comments above. Some people appear to be reading this and thinking this means pot is now legal in California… (Wish it were so.)
This was a vote by the Public Safety Committee. Next the bill would have to be approved by the Public Health Committee. THEN if it passes both of these committees, it can go to the Assembly floor for a vote. THEN it still needs to be signed by Schwarzenneger.
Since this legislation is about to expire, and will not make it through to a final vote in time, I wonder if Ammiano is going to re-introduce a new bill, or simply wait until after November, since it is almost a certainty that we will vote to end the prohibition in California on the 2010 ballot…
Excuse me, I apologize if this sounds like a stupid question…but does this mean marijuana is actually 100%, just like alcohol and tobacco, legal in California now??
Oh, nevermind. I read the other comments. Got my answer
i hope it is legal in calf. then hopefully the other states will wake up and do the same.
Time for me to move. I suffer from ulcerative colitis and mariijuana has been the best thing I have used with no side effects (except to be happy and relaxed). I am a product of the 60′s, hold a highly responsible job and have been smokin it for years. I don’t know what the police are worried about, they will certainly have jobs because of all the violent crimes.
Hey Paul. Great work as always! I was wondering what the next comittee will be and have they set a date to vote on it? Oe will the next comittee take some time to look at it
Thanks. GO Cali! Great News!
[Paul Armentano responds: I wouldn't be surprised to see informational hearings on legalization before the Health Committee, but it appears highly unlikely that there will be additional legislative action on AB 390 this year which is why the sponsor has pledged to refile.]
Let us hope it happens soon in Queensland Australia also.
I can’t believe tax dollars was used to oppose this bill instead enforcing laws on the street. Come on now.
True, We have to nip the big greedy corporations at the bud. So as to create a more variety of sweet herbs and spread the wealth to all instead of a few…. We need the internal cash to flow in our Nation. Things are going very well as expected, lets all stand up for our liberties and freedoms.
So another freaking year till they do anything. Wow this world is crap.
[Paul Armentano responds: California's legislature criminalized marijunaa in 1913. It is unrealistic to think that lawmakers would end a nearly 100-year policy, albeit a failed one, in one legislative session with the first bill they debate on the issue.]
well we know why the groups that were against it were…afraid to loose their JOBS…it is time to quit persecuting and prosicuting innocent individuals and putting them in prisons for weed, get it together people!
You’re right, the article wasn’t very explanitory. Carol I like your approach to educate #13, DAX, hope he reads it and pays heed.
Washington State trying to get on the ballot for November, where do we sign the petition? I went to NORML website but didn’t see anything there about it.
[Paul Armentano responds: Members of NORML's Board of Directors and the NORML Legal Committee are the primary folks behind the proposed Washington state ballot initiative. Only registered voters in Washington state can sign the petitions, which must be circulated on the ground by volunteers or paid signature gatherers.]
I never met an agressive, or violent person on weed in the 16 years ive smoked. If the people banded together with their opinions great changes would be. I think we could be on the edge of the revolution. Power to the people. stand together and speak your opinions to all the minds that matter. We are loosing our rights constantly. I dont know anything about this stuff, but I do believe the system is extreemly corupted and if there isnt profit for the govornment, the chances of this calming, healing, natural, herb to become legal are slim to none. Get involved, donate, get your friends involved!
Did everyone see who voted no…police and police related individuals.. If its legal they dont make as much money. of course they dont want it legal..
please pay att. georgia it needs to be legal!!!!! were adults and live in a (free country)we should be able to make the dicision to smoke if we want!!!!
way to go cali.
A letter sent to the Ways and Means Committee
Yesterday,a committee in the California Assemblyvoted yes to the legalization of marijuana.
Polls across this nation show that a majority of Americans support legalization.
There are 14 states that recognize marijuana as an alternative medication.
The US Attorney General has implemented a “Medical Marijuana Policy”.
Every study of marijuana requested by our congress has recommended that marijuana be removed from schedule 1.
Our government has spent over one trillion dollars since President Nixon declared war on the citizens of America and over 1/2 of that was used interdicting,eradicating and enforcing laws against marijuana.
Over 1/2 of the budget of the ONDCP is used
fighting marijuana and they are asking for a bigger budget this year for continuing their programs that the only success they can claim is the spending of their budget.
Please end this insanity. And to continue doing the same thing,year after year,the same way and expect any different outcome is insane.
Please stop funding the war on marijuana,it is a waste of our tax dollars and has accomplished nothing but the ruination of millions of American citizens lives by giving them a criminal record and reducing their life earning potential.
Marijuana does not fit the description of a schedule 1 drug because,apparently it does have medical applications and for our congress to continue spending money on this issue is a gross waste of our resources and time,regardless of how much money various lobbies pay our legislators to continue doing so.
Thanks for the response to my question Paul! I know you are a busy man, so it is much appreciated! I guess we will see how the ballot iniative will go in November. I am sure it will be interesting!
To all the tokers out there: keep up the talking! If we can all convince one or two people against us to be pro-legalisation we will win for sure. As to everyone complaining about the process not going fast enough you have no one to blame but yourselves, get out there and make it happen! We will legalize it; the speed at which it happens depends a hell of lot on our own activism. Time to stop living in fear!!!
Not seeing any pharmaceutical companies funding or being the opposition makes me wonder if they have their own plan for or sweet cannabis. I’m used to seeing them under opposition. But yes the current opposition is definantly looking for the other green. (added by Mobile using Mippin)