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Washington Could Soon Become the First State to Legalize Sale of Marijuana

Oct. 11, 2012 9:03pm Jason Howerton

View of a type of marijuana in a jar at a farm near Medellin, Antioquia department, Colombia on October 3 , 2012. A bicycle ride against drug trafficking and in favour of the legalization of self-cultivation of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes took place in Medellin on October 6, 2012. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington state is on the verge of becoming the first in the nation to let adults over 21 buy taxed, inspected marijuana at state-licensed shops.

It might not clear up more than a decade of confusion that resulted from the state’s medical marijuana law, or reverse the proliferation of dispensaries. But supporters say passing Initiative 502 on Nov. 6 could make drug laws more reasonable, prevent thousands of arrests a year, and bring Washington hundreds of millions of dollars to help pay for schools, health care and basic government services.

It could also set up a big fight with the federal government.

Voters in Colorado and Oregon are considering similar measures. But based on polls, Washington’s initiative might stand the best chance of passing. The measure has drawn slim organized opposition and gained support from some former federal law enforcement officers. The campaign has raised $4.1 million.

“There’s a real disconnect with pot,” said Brooke Thompson, a retired teacher from Bainbridge Island who found marijuana innocuous when she smoked it as a young adult. “It’s been criminalized and criminals are making money on it. The state could be making money on it, and using the taxes to go into education. It seems like a win-win, and it would be nice for Washington to be the testing ground on this.”

“Testing ground” is the right phrase. Washington could become a laboratory in easing the nation’s drug war, which has cost more than $1 trillion and hundreds of thousands of lives in the past 40 years while doing little to dent demand.

Just as likely, it could bring on a protracted fight with the federal government. Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. law, and when state and federal laws conflict, federal law takes precedence. The Justice Department has kept mum, but if I-502 passes, many lawyers believe the DOJ is likely to try to block the law on the grounds that it frustrates the Controlled Substances Act.

That could leave just part of the initiative standing: decriminalization of up to an ounce of pot under state law, with no way to buy it legally, and a driving-under-the-influence standard that opponents consider arbitrarily strict.

The federal government could also prosecute growers or retailers licensed under the law, seize Washington’s new marijuana revenues as proceeds of illicit drug deals, or withhold money from the state.

Nevertheless, I-502′s sponsors, including former Seattle U.S. Attorney John McKay, Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes and travel writer Rick Steves, say the measure has been drafted to withstand a federal challenge. Alison Holcomb, I-502′s campaign manager, said at a recent debate that she would sit down with representatives of the federal government to explain how the measure could complement, not frustrate, federal efforts.

The initiative, promoted by New Approach Washington, would create a system of state-licensed growers, processors and stores, and would impose a 25 percent excise tax at each stage. Adults 21 and over could buy up to an ounce of dried marijuana; one pound of marijuana-infused product in solid form, such as brownies; or 72 ounces of marijuana-infused liquids. The cannabis would be subject to testing to establish its THC content.

Sales wouldn’t begin immediately. The state Liquor Control Board would have a year to establish guidelines.

Holcomb, who concedes that marijuana is addictive for some, says I-502 would allow authorities to treat it as a public health issue, as has been effective in reducing tobacco use.

“We don’t arrest adults for tobacco use to try to keep kids from using it,” she said.

Maria Castro, a patient services representative at the Northwest Patient Resource Center medical marijuana dispensary, waits for customers, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, in Seattle. Washington state is on the verge of becoming the first in the nation to let adults over 21 buy taxed, inspected marijuana at state-licensed shops. Supporters of Initiative 502 say allowing recreational pot sales could make drug laws a little more reasonable, prevent thousands of arrests a year, and bring Washington hundreds of millions of dollars to help pay for schools, health care and basic government services. (Credit: AP)

Marijuana is weighed and packaged for sale at the Northwest Patient Resource Center medical marijuana dispensary, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, in Seattle. Washington state is on the verge of becoming the first in the nation to let adults over 21 buy taxed, inspected marijuana at state-licensed shops. Supporters of Initiative 502 say allowing recreational pot sales could make drug laws a little more reasonable, prevent thousands of arrests a year, and bring Washington hundreds of millions of dollars to help pay for schools, health care and basic government services. (Credit: AP)

State revenue experts have estimated that I-502 could bring in as much as $1.9 billion in the next five years. Some of the money would be dedicated to the state general fund, while other portions would be devoted to health care, education and substance-abuse prevention.

If the initiative passes:

—Public use or display of marijuana would be barred.

—No marijuana facilities could be located near schools, day cares, parks or libraries.

—Employers would still be able to fire workers who test positive for pot.

—It would remain illegal to privately grow marijuana for recreational use, though medical patients could still grow their own or designate someone to grow it for them.

—It would be illegal to drive with more than 5 nanograms of THC, the active ingredient of cannabis, per milliliter of blood, if the driver is over 21; for those under 21, there would be a zero tolerance policy.

There would be no legal effect on medical marijuana dispensaries. However, it could have a political effect, Holcomb said. If recreational pot sales are allowed, prosecutors and investigators might take a more critical look at whether those operations are truly serving sick people.

Organized opposition comes from a group of medical marijuana patients who object to the DUI standard and say that if people can’t grow their own, it’s not really legalization at all.

Other public health and some law enforcement officials also oppose it, even if they haven’t raised any money.

Mitch Barker, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, said his organization is concerned about increasing availability of marijuana, especially for teens, and the difficulty of enforcing the DUI provisions.

The initiative’s biggest financial contributor is Progressive Insurance founder Peter Lewis, who has given more than $1.5 million. Lewis also contributed to Washington’s medical marijuana campaigns in 1997 and 1998.

Other donors include New York-based Drug Policy Action and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington.

The former head of the FBI in Seattle and both candidates for King County sheriff have voiced support.

Voters like Terry Lavender, a retired 61-year-old from Woodinville who used pot decades ago, say they’re intrigued by the idea of being able to walk into a state licensed store and buy marijuana.

“I enjoy a bit of scotch, I enjoy a beer, so maybe I would,” Lavender says. “But that’s not my motivation for doing this. My motivation is to stop locking people up.”

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Comments (70)

Contract_Pilot
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:30pm
Watch anything supported and funded by George Soros.. http://seattletimes.com/text/2019409130.html

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Reload
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:32am
The inventors of Funyuns, Doritos and cruise control were without a doubt, stoners.

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kevin542
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:52am
Look at the tax revenue….I did it” back when “…..The only effect on me was the munchies….hundreds in prison..Why did I stop..I guess I grew up..Would I do it again..well I might if it where legal..only problem is I’d probably pick up cigarettes again…that is unless I use another method of delivery…

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Brockland
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:49am
Consider INVESTING in the full legalization movement with stock symbol MJNA (Medical Marijuana Inc). With the most recent October polls surging in Washington (24 point lead) and Colorado (10 point lead), ALL with majority support, and with WA GOP US Senate Candidate Michael Baumgartner’s recent announcement of official support for I-502, there’s no telling where this will go in November. Just look at what happened in the lead up to Prop19 in 2010.

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puravida56
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:08am
Two Words: States Rights.

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- charleyrocks
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:48am
  if the pres smokes then it should be legal, how can he lock up someone when he is in the back room tokin
  
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Southerner01
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:55am
In my view, what states should be shooting for is not legalization, but decriminalization of personal use amounts. It has always seemed ridiculous to me that we have prison overcrowding and threrefore release murderers, rapists and child molesters early, only to fill the cell with someone busted with a couple majijuana cigrrettes. Give them a ticket, make them do some community service, and leave the rapists in prison.

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- statutoryape
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:30am
  “It has always seemed ridiculous to me that we have prison overcrowding and threrefore release murderers, rapists and child molesters early, only to fill the cell with someone busted with a couple majijuana cigrrettes.”
  
  That has bothered me for a long time and I share the same view as you. Prisons ARE overcrowded because of ridiculously harsh drug laws, many serving longer sentences than sex offenders or first degree manslaughter. It just bothers me to see the legal system lump drug users with murderers and sex offenders.
  
  Whom would you prefer move into a house down the street from you: a “druggie,” a rapist, a sex offender, or a murderer.
  
  Report this comment
statutoryape
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:18am
Weed is not a “gateway drug” and it doesn’t lead to anything. It’s not addicting, you can’t OD on it, and it is far healthier than alcohol. It really should have been legalized long ago. Alcohol kills WAY more people than weed does. The government has run so much propaganda about weed leading to free basing coke and idiot Americans have totally bought into it.

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- norway1516
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:25am
  Thats actually bs every person I hung out when we all started off “just smoking weed” all ended up on much harder stuff by the end….I was one of the smarter ones to get out before I got too deep, but I watched my friends descend and eventually throw their family’s, relationships and their futures away for drugs. Weed is a gateway and certainly not something that should be glorified.
  
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- loriann12
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:29am
  And your statement is BS….the biggest pothead in my senior class is now a neurosurgeon, and the second biggest is a principle at a gradeschool.
  
  Report this comment
- Conservealiberty
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:45am
  Let’s be honest. I can see where in a way, not really the way its always portrayed weed can be a gateway. Though its really not weed itself that is the gateway, its just the fact that its the first drug”most people try that leads them to this idea of just “trying things.” I have tried many other drugs after i smoked weed, and I have hated everyone of them and mostly have just tried them once. We have 1 life to live on this planet and a lot of us have a “try everything once” type of lifestyle and if we are free american people then we should have that freedom. Now if you are a piece of crap and u get addicted to hard drugs then that is your deal, whatever happened to personal responsibility in this country?
  
  Report this comment
- The Jewish Avenger
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:54am
  ..and once upon a time when I was naive and Democrratic in nature, I used to run coke to the doctors at hospitals, one laughing over the fact that he hopes he doesnt get the shakes too bad for he was going into surgery,
  
  Your assumption is amazingly naive.
  
  I knew people in power positions who did blow more than I knew any street walkers.
  
  But, once again, sweet innocent, oh why wont they just leave you alone?
  
  Kiss your $35 1/8 bag. If its legal its taxed, if its taxed, itll quickly become… hmm lets see…
  A pack of Marlboros were 69 cents a pack in 1981
  Now the are $8.10!
  Thats 1174% increase in 31 years!
  Ok lets be fair, how about
  $27.99 a carton in 2000
  and $78.99 a carton in 2012?
  282%
  
  But boy we sho could use some money to balance the budget…
  So $35 an 1/8 ounce
  Its been a while should be what $250 an ounce? now?
  I assure you, with tax and less than one president term, that 250 will be $2500 once its legal.
  Then what?
  Smuggling selling without taxing?
  Ooh tax evasion?
  Try getting out of that one….
  
  Sorry, I hate the croonies for pot but making it legal is a BAD idea.
  
  Report this comment
- American Soldier (Separated)
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:49am
  The only reason weed is a gateway drug is because you buy it from a drug dealer who wants to up sell you to harder, more addictive, more expensive product. Like any good salesman would. Weed is as much of a gateway drug as milk is a gateway to alcohol. Put it on the shelves and let the individual decide.
  
  Report this comment
- norway1516
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:08am
  The affects of milk and alcohol are very different….chemically in your head weed and many drugs are on par….so you’re wrong on that point. There’s a buddy of mine who’s IQ reaches the 140 level but he flips burgers all day because he has no ambition and prefers smoking dope all day….I’ve spent my life in the trenches of narcotics and the pot heads are nothing to brag about when it comes to ambition, drive or intelligence…I’m on par with many whom say decriminalize the personal users and go for the dealers but dont open the flood gates with all the crap that comes with the drug areas.
  
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- norway1516
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:10am
  @Conservealiberty the same reason we dont hand a pistol to people contemplating suicide….you dont introduce something harmful into society that has proven its a danger to the public welfare.
  
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- statutoryape
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:20am
  @Norway, I have been deep into drug abuse in the past and I never met anyone who tried weed first and then moved on to the “real” drugs. From my experience it has been the opposite: when us guys would get together to get high, non of our girlfriends wanted to join the smoking circle. They viewed it as nasty. However, after many of them tried XTC and acid, they started smoking weed. The only driving hazard I’ve experienced from weed after “smoking the car out,” was driving slow. I also used to drive drunk many times and THAT was hard to do. MDMA has made me do some wild driving, too. But the hardest thing to drive on was acid – at least for me. It would be a struggle to go for a gas station run only a mile away without seeing a 12-ft tidal wave coming at me, making me turn the car around and speed back home, only to be greeted with a panzer tank sitting across the parking lot.
  
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- Lateris
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:59pm
  And I have seen how alcohol is a gateway to disaster. I see it every night.
  
  Report this comment
allandwd
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 3:03am
Legalize it, tax it, control it…make millions for the federal government…take away the criminal element..a not brainer…unless your the federal government….oh yeah they do like to incarserate people here so much and that’s big money…

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- damon_k
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 5:40am
  I don’t think the government should be encouraging drug use with leaglization, the cost to society is many times greater than the tax revenue received. Read political commentary at: http://smallcraftadvisorychronicles.blogspot.com/
  
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- loriann12
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:20am
  Marijuana is addictive for some…the article says. I got news for you, sugar is addictive for some. I know because under the advice of my doctor, I had to cut out all artificial sweeteners and most sugar. I went to a birthday party for my husband (by his mother) and had a carrot cake and the next day felt like a diabetic because I hadn’t had it in so long. I can take or leave marijuana…I do a bowl when the cancer pain is too high, but don’t when it’s not. It’s like taking Vicadin, if you need it for the pain, it doesn’t make you “high” but if you take it just because, it will knock you out.
  
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- norway1516
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:23am
  I have to agree with DamonK. Any where sector of society drugs are involved there is the inherit crime rate that comes with it. I think decriminalize many of the pot smokers make it a fine for anything under an ounce instead of jail time and there’s a solution…but opening the flood gates that’s proven even today that drug usage brings nothing but despair and devastation I think we can pass on that if we can.
  
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- The Jewish Avenger
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:57am
  loriann12
  
  If my kids had cancer, I’d do what it takes to get it even if that meant growing it. IF it could be justified that it would help them. Not, oh got cancer? Smoke this dude…
  
  But to make it ok for recreational use?
  No way.
  
  Report this comment
teacherskj
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:29am
If they legalize it I will never move back there or look for work there or have anything to do with the state–the state from which I was born. I will boycott the state every chance I get. Remember, this is not all of Washingtonians wanting this. This is mainly one county, King county, doing this thing. Citizens on the eastern side of the Cascade mountains will vote against it. But, like in every election the liberals in Seattle get their way.

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- Againstallenemies
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:46am
  Just wanted to attest to this as well. I was born and raised and currently reside in King County and let me tell you, WOW the liberals have complete control of this county. I am desperately looking for my escape out of this area. However this county votes, the entire state votes, hence why Washington always votes Dem in the Presidential elections. This is NOT the values of the entire state. Most of Washington is gorgeous and many great conservatives live here, especially the central and eastern side of the state. Its a shame that the libs ruined such an amazing state.
  
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- Abigail Adams
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 5:39am
  Yup! My husband works in King but we live as far north in Pierce as we can get….without having to live in King.
  Nobody I know wants this law. I honestly doubt it will pass. It’s hard to convince even those blinded to the ways of the Democratic Socialist Party that this would ever be a good idea.
  
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- statutoryape
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:23am
  ” Citizens on the eastern side of the Cascade mountains will vote against it. But, like in every election the liberals in Seattle get their way.”
  
  If it was the other way around, then you would believe it’s fair. Yeah, move out of Washington and boycott it. It comes down to the simple fact is that most people here would act like the government, if they had the power, and force laws on the population “for their own good.”
  
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- loriann12
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:27am
  Marijuana ABUSE is on the liberal side. Conservatives feel it’s no worse than tobacco and are for safe use. Just because someone wants to decriminalize marijuana doesn’t make them a flaming liberal.
  
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- Conservealiberty
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:50am
  So you all want to move because what some other people want to do in their own homes? You have lived there your whole lives? and the pot smokers have always been there and your little life. Now when these Americans are tired of going to jail for causing to problem, now they are a big thorn in your side and u cant wait to move away? Now did we get here? and you are the normal ones?
  
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- OutObamaOut
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 3:20pm
  I live in WA and I will certainly vote against it.
  
  Report this comment
SHOTGUN_CHUCK
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:15am
Big deal, it’s already legal here in Alaska. Back in ’75 they made it legal to have up to 25 plants, then they made it illegal again, and now it’s kinda sorta decriminalized again (a freind of mine says you can grow up to two plants for personal consumption). Apparently, almost no one uses it any

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- SHOTGUN_CHUCK
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:17am
  (You wouldn’t beleive how easy it is to post a half-finished reply by mistake. Man, laptop keyboards are annoying.)
  
  …way, but I’m not exactly sure. I certainly don’t. Also, you still can’t sell the stuff.
  
  Report this comment
SCREW-WINDOWS
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:05pm
As long as they keep the potheads in a confined space where their societal effects don’t infringe on others go for it.
But stay clear of me.

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- black9897
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:37pm
  Those who smoke pot don’t cause harm or violate anyones rights, so you don’t have anything to worry about. You should be thankful…bringing drugs out of the black market means almost no violence.
  
  Report this comment
- SCREW-WINDOWS
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:47am
  Beg to differ with you I was seriously injured by someone who was just a little high so don’t give me it is a victimless crime song. Put your life in the hands of a pothead if you wish but I prefer them to have a clear and unclouded thought process.
  
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- Moment of Clarity
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 5:00am
  Screw – you were injured by someone who was slightly high? – My condolences, but it is FAR MORE LIKELY that you or anyone will be injured by someone “high” on alcohol. This legal drug causes far greater death, destruction, mayhem and medical intervention that pot ever will.
  
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- black9897
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:35am
  Hm…That’s very odd, considering most research tells us that pot users are not prone to violence and are even less criminal than others. What exactly did he do? Because pot is not a stimulant. Maybe it was something else?
  
  Report this comment
- black9897
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:35pm
  Even if this one Pot user did use violence on you or caused you harm, you can’t base that one time on the vast amount of research and facts regarding pot use.
  
  Report this comment
- SCREW-WINDOWS
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 5:17pm
  It does not matter what he did but why his judgement was clouded and why I should have to put my life and safety in the hands of a pothead. I see many cases in the courts that were the results of judgement while under the influence and why there is on the job drug test. I’m sure you wouldn’t take your car to a pothead to get the antilock brakes fixed or opt for the pothead brain surgeon to fix your aneurysm.
  Bottom line judgement matters.
  
  Report this comment
- black9897
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:31pm
  Yes, it does actually. No one is forcing you to put your life in the hands of a pot head. Don’t’ like pot? Don’t smoke it. Using drugs while on the job is different than making it legal to use on your free time. Of course businesses can’t have you high or whatever on the job. However, outside of that it’s no one’s business what you do. You’re making the strawman that if it’s legal people will start using it at work, etc. In the same way you wouldn’t be drunk at work would you? That’s legal though. The research is very clear on pot and most drugs. Sadly we have been lied to for a loooong time. That’s why people have such a fear of pot and other drugs.
  
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bassist237
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:21pm
I’m conservative and I’m for pot. It ain’t gonna get any better trying to deflect it because it simply does not happen, plus it’s better than beer.

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- M13
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:28pm
  Cough,cough, What were we talking about?
  
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- norway1516
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:31am
  Thats actually funny seeing as the carcinogens in weed are just as deadly as cigarettes…but dont take my word for it http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
  
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- Conservealiberty
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:55am
  Smoking anything is bad for you, yawn how many times do we have to go over the same stupid arguments? I like how it says smoking it is bad and just mentions the other forms of thc that aren’t harmful. Good propaganda man!
  
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KidCharlemagne
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:11pm
“Mitch Barker, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, said his organization is concerned about increasing availability of marijuana,”
====================================

Translation: Mitch Barker is concerned about the loss of federal dollars flooding into his department.

—————————
Strapped Police Run on Fumes, and Federal Pot-Fighting Cash
July 3, 2010
IGO, Calif.—Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko, his budget under pressure in a weak economy, has laid off staff, reduced patrols and even released jail inmates. But there’s one mission on which he’s spending more than in recent years: pot busts.

The reason is simple: If he steps up his pursuit of marijuana growers, his department is eligible for roughly half a million dollars a year in federal anti-drug funding, helping save some jobs. The majority of the funding would have to be used to fight pot. Marijuana may not be the county’s most pressing crime problem, the sheriff says, but “it’s where the money is.”
WSJ.com: “It’s Where The Money Is”

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- booger71
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:29pm
  Seizure of cash, houses and cars, along with federal dollars, is how these towns and counties are able to outfits theri cops with all their toys. They are looking too much like the military.
  
  Report this comment
- kbounds56
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:55pm
  Thank you for an informed and astute observation. Ditto to you Booger71.
  
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- drs1969
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:50pm
  Thank You.
  It would also kill the CIA’s clandestine budget if all drugs were de-criminalized.
  
  Report this comment
Jenasus
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:31pm
Johnny Pot Seed says, “A joint a day keeps the doctor away.”
Johnny Apple Seed wasn’t planting apple trees. He was planting POT and his name was Johnny Pot Seed.
Support you local marijuana grower. Buy American Grown Marijuana. (BAGM)
By legalizing marijuana in America it will take the profits away from the Drug Cartels in Mexico and the Cartel In America, the CIA, and will make America and Mexico a safer place to live.
END THE WAR ON DRUGS. The war on drugs is a war against the people that use drugs. It is not a war on drugs.
The Federal Government wants to have total control on peoples lives. Everyday we the people are living in more of a Police State. The Federal Government does not care about the people. The Federal Government is controlled by big banks and globalists that want to take all of our freedom away as persons and make us slaves in the Luciferian New World Order.

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- momprayn
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:03pm
  I’m a Conservative Christian and I agree – I’m posting this b/c I know most Consvs./Repubs./Christians have knee jerk reactions about legalizing this. I used to think that too – thinking it would be like condoning getting high on drugs, get worse, etc. I was also ignorant about what he is talking about – re drug cartels, globalists and how they are using all this for untold crime & control, etc. I now know – check it out yourself. You will be shocked. Plus it isn’t condoning drug use – it’s like the alcohol problem and guns. You can legalize it and then have laws like we have with alcohol when it causes some crime – leave it to the person to make the decision – punish if necessary, etc.
  
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- sillyfreshness
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:06pm
  There is zero evidence that pot is a gateway drug. It’s the only straw those opposed can grasp on to to justify keeping it illegal. Look, I DON’T smoke pot. I have on a few occasions with friends years ago, but never liked it. However, I don’t see any reason why it should be illegal. Pot smokers don’t get into fights when they are high like drunks. Pot smokers don’t kill 50,000 people a year in driving accidents like drunks. These people that I know who want pot legalized only want pot legalized. They just want their pot. These people already are buying and smoking it illegally and they haven’t turned to heroin or crack or morphine because of it being a gateway drug. I’ve know public officials who have smoked pot at parties. Why not just legalize it once and for all? You don’t have to smoke it if you don’t want to. As long as alcohol and tobacco are legal, there is no reason why pot shouldn’t be added into the mix. These potheads only want their pot and nothing more. It’s not a gateway drug. There are 140 million pot smokers in the US that can tell you they didn’t smoke pot to move on to heroin or crack. If that were the case, there would be 140 million crack or heroin users out there and there isn’t.
  
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- Pouncing Porcupine
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:17pm
  Trust me genius: The “Luciferian New World Order.” wants you stoned out of your gourd. Stoned people are lazy, stupid, and generally focused on how they’re going to score their next silly-sack. Just where they want you…distrac
  
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- Pouncing Porcupine
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:24pm
  *distracted*
  
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- SCREW-WINDOWS
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:53am
  Exactly easy management of the flock.
  
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- sillyfreshness
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 3:09am
  Nobody is forcing you to smoke it. You are an adult. You can decide if you want to smoke it.
  
  Same logic could be used for alcohol. The NWO wants you drunk out of your mind so you’re like a zombie. Just substitute drunk with stoned and it’s the same logic.
  
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American Soldier (Separated)
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:24pm
“Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. law, and when state and federal laws conflict, federal law takes precedence.”

EXACTLY. And the most supreme federal law is the Constitution. 10th Amendment grants this decision to the states. Washington State has every right under the Constitution to make this determination for their constituents.

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- TulsaYeeHaw
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:41pm
  Don’t insult us with facts.
  
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- kbounds56
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:06pm
  People seem to rational and polite discourse when the subject of pot is the subject. How refreshing considering most posts on the Blaze. Where are the trolls?
  
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- M1A2_Tanker
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:13pm
  Didn’t the SCOTUS just rule on the Arizona immigration law that the States Cannot enforce Federal laws? Oh yes that is right they did…..So now we are going to end up Giving more money to the government so we can “Rent” our liberties and we’ll also be funding the Federal Government to flood the states with Federal Police( DEA, BATF, FBI, CIA, DHS, NSA on and on and on) Remember only the Fed can enforce Fed laws…..These Folks that scream “Legalize the rent of our liberties and Tax them” are putting in the final nails to the coffin that now holds states Rights! Legalize Liberty without Rent, Lease, Permission to exercise said Rights. You want Legal Marijuana FINE Vote it in But do not ever give the Government the permission to tax it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a lose, lose!!!!!!!!!!!
  
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RandomMan
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:21pm
That’s the problem the gov should respect the will of the people. They shouldn’t be driven by any other agenda.

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- booger71
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:32pm
  No, the Feds should respect the Constitution, and the 10th Amendment.
  
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wvernon1981
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:16pm
If people can drink beer, they ought to be able to smoke. If they can brew beer, they ought to be able to grow weed.

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- American Soldier (Separated)
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:25pm
  Absolutely agree.
  
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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:14pm
They may legalize it, but the Feds still can stop them under law.

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- booger71
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:33pm
  Only if they disregard the 10th Amendment, which they have been doing for decades.
  
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WAKEUPUSA2012
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:09pm
It should be legal. Even Pat Robertson said so. Liberty should be free.

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- Ilikepeople
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:17pm
  He’s da man too.
  
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- booger71
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:19pm
  Wonder if they will ship?
  
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Ilikepeople
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:09pm
Marijuana is green.

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- M13
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:02am
  And Obama is Communist Red, so what is your point?
  
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