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US: Rhode Island Decriminalizing Marijuana Possession

Lisa Selan

Kush

Monday 11 Jun 2012

Rhode Island is the latest state to jump on the marijuana reform band wagon. Seventeen states along with Washington DC have approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Fourteen states have also passed legislation to decriminalize possession of stated quantities of marijuana. Rhode Island which allows medical marijuana is now poised to pass legislation to also decriminalize possession for non medical users.

The state's General Assembly voted last week to enact legislation that would eliminate the fear of jail time and large fines for possession of an ounce or less of cannabis. The penalty would be a $150 civil fine and confiscation. Also, there would be no criminal record.

One representative, John Savage believes marijuana should be legalized, sold and taxed. Savage is a retired school principal and believes, "America's 50-year war on drugs has been an abysmal failure."

Last month, a survey by Rasmussen found that a majority (56%) favored legalizing and regulating marijuana. A national Gallop poll confirmed the results showing support to legalize marijuana was at 50%.

California's Compassionate Use Act voted into law in 1996, authorizing the use of medical marijuana has raised cannabis awareness and has created a trend toward marijuana reform. According to Robert Capecchi, a legislative analyst with the Marijuana Policy Project, "The public understands that there are substances far more harmful – alcohol, tobacco – that we regulate. People are realizing just how much money is being wasted on prohibition."

Every week the topic of marijuana is in the news. This month Connecticut and New York have also discussed marijuana reform. Connecticut's governor signed legislation allowing medical marijuana and New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo discussed lessening penalties for possession of small amounts.

Irrespective of the states lessening the criminal penalties associated with possessing small quantities of marijuana or voting for medical marijuana laws, the Federal government still sees the Schedule 1 classification as the driving force for wreaking havoc throughout states that have medical marijuana laws.

It therefore remains paramount that the only way to end the prohibition on marijuana, whether it is medical or recreational is to change the archaic classification of cannabis at the federal level and once and for all put an end to this war, where patients, medical marijuana businesses and taxpayers are the true victims.

The Federal government's perpetuation of a proven lie has lasted long enough.

http://www.kushmagazine.com/news/2942-rhode-island-decriminalizing-marijuana-possession

 

 

 

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