Originally published November 9 2014
Marijuana legalized in Oregon, Alaska and DC as voters realize healing potential of harmless, natural plant
by Ethan A. Huff, staff writer
(NaturalNews) Two more states and the District of Columbia have put an end to cannabis prohibition, positioning themselves as the true champions of individual liberty in a sea of mindless tyranny. The states of Oregon and Alaska, as well as Washington, D.C., will no longer target individuals who use or possess a harmless plant with arrest and possible jail time, not to mention a criminal record, helping to further the much greater cause of ending cannabis prohibition nationwide.
Voters overwhelmingly passed ballot initiatives in both states and the District, declaring an end to the destructive war on cannabis, which unjustly punishes non-violent "offenders" for growing, using and possessing the fruit of a natural plant that is both safe and effective at treating all sorts of health conditions and ailments. Recreationally speaking, cannabis is also a much safer alternative to alcohol for relaxing and socializing.
According to the latest counts compiled by Courthouse News Service, Oregon passed its legalization bill with support from 54 percent of voters, while Alaska passed its bill with 52 percent of voter support. In D.C., an overwhelming 69 percent of voters said "no more" to arrest and incarceration for possessing and using cannabis, a move that freedom advocates predict will have implications for the entire nation.
"It's always an uphill battle to win a marijuana legalization initiative in a year like this, when young people are so much less likely to vote, which makes today's victory all the sweeter," stated Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, concerning the passage of Oregon's initiative.
"The pace of reform is accelerating, other states are sure to follow, and even Congress is poised to wake from its slumber."
In both states and D.C., residents will be allowed to possess, grow all-natural cannabis
The Oregon law, as explained by OregonLive.com, recognizes that, as of July 1, 2015, individuals 21 years of age and older can legally possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana in public places and up to 8 ounces in their own homes. These same individuals can legally grow up to four cannabis plants per household.
"The new law gives the Oregon Liquor Control Commission until Jan. 1, 2016[,] to draft rules and implement regulations for production, processing and selling marijuana," explains OregonLive.com. "The measure says the state must begin receiving licensing applications by Jan. 4, 2016. The first batch of licenses should be issued during the first half of 2016."
In Alaska, Ballot Measure 2 has a similar regulatory paradigm, allowing individuals 21 years of age and older to possess and transport up to 1 ounce of cannabis, as well as grow and/or transport up to six cannabis plants at one time. Individuals are free to give up to 1 ounce of marijuana each to someone else, or six immature plants.
While D.C.'s legalization bill does not provision the establishment of recreational stores where cannabis will be sold, individuals there will be allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis for personal use -- both residents and visitors will have this freedom -- and those living in D.C. will be allowed to grow up to six cannabis plants at home.
"With marijuana legal in the federal government's backyard, it's going to be increasingly difficult for national politicians to continue ignoring the growing majority of voters who want to end prohibition," added Tom Angell, chairman of Marijuana Majority, to CNN.
Sources:
http://www.courthousenews.com
http://www.cnn.com
http://www.oregonlive.com
http://www.adn.com
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