NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform » mandate http://blog.norml.org Working to reform marijuana laws Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:26:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Is It Time To Start Using The “M” Word? (And No, I Don’t Mean Marijuana) http://blog.norml.org/2008/11/03/is-it-time-to-start-using-the-m-word-and-no-i-dont-mean-marijuana/ http://blog.norml.org/2008/11/03/is-it-time-to-start-using-the-m-word-and-no-i-dont-mean-marijuana/#comments Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:47:03 +0000 Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director http://blog.norml.org/2008/11/03/is-it-time-to-start-using-the-m-word-and-no-i-dont-mean-marijuana/

With less than 24 hours until Election Day, Michigan’s Proposal 1 is supported by a 2 to 1 margin, according to the latest polling results. No wonder our opponents are desperate.

Currently, more than one-in-five Americans reside in a state that recognizes the use of medical cannabis under a doctor’s supervision. If Michigan voters approve Prop. 1 on Tuesday, that percentage will be just shy of one-in-four (23.5 percent).

To put this percentage in proper perspective, consider this: In 2000, virtually the same percentage of voting age Americans (24.5 percent) voted for George Bush. After a slightly higher percentage (28 percent) re-elected Bush in 2004, the President and the mainstream media claimed a “re-election mandate.”

Why then will neither the media nor politicians in Washington — including our allies in Congress — declare a similar mandate regarding the medical use of cannabis?

Clearly America has spoken. Why isn’t Washington listening?

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