and fellow comedienne, Joan had a new patient doctor appointment, received medical approval, at another location purchased paraphernalia, finally at legal dispensary location purchased medicine. They proceeded to park in what appeared to be dead end of a cul de sac. Getting so blitzed they were unable to drive.
There was no argument for nor against cannabis use. Unless you are like myself, for whom the most memorable part of the episode was the ebullient change in Joan’s behavior after toking up. I’m a pleasure hound and took that as a positive testimonial. The second most tellingly memorable moment is the fact that the whole system is seemingly set up as just a matter of appearance.
As usual, the medical profession has the power to decide dose and even deny use based on their ‘opinion’. Albeit a professional opinion--we know making mistakes and not listening to the patient are common occurrences. Then there’s the government that controls the patient, the doctors, smoke shops and dispensary for the privilege of doing what we already should have the right to do. To add insult they all get PAID to control our Divine-given rights!
This is where the argument of decriminalization or legalization comes into play.
Decriminalization is the repeal or amendment (undoing) of statutes which made certain acts criminal, so that those acts no longer are crimes or subject to prosecution
Decriminalization is more like a traffic violation. There is normally no record or jail time. I say normally which is curious because if it’s truly DECRIMINALIZED there should be no exceptions. A part of legislature change I feel is greatly in need of inclusion.
The following states has decriminalized cannabis laws already in place. Alaska California Colorado Connecticut Maine Massachusetts Minnesota Mississippi Nebraska Nevada New York North Carolina Ohio Oregon Rhode Island Vermont
"The available evidence suggests that removal of the prohibition against possession itself (decriminalization) does not increase cannabis use. ... This prohibition inflicts harms directly and is costly. Unless it can be shown that the removal of criminal penalties will increase use of other harmful drugs, ... it is difficult to see what society gains."
This leads us to legalization and why is it the agenda being pushed for?
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Legalization is to make legal or lawful; authorize or sanction by law, to give legal validity
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Based on the Colorado model
15% excise tax on all wholesale sales from grower to retailer
15% retail sales tax from stores/dispensaries to final consumer
2.9% regular state retail sales tax
Along with various local sales taxes
30% or more added to the consumer/the citizens cost. Such bullshit!! We already have a
system that with the exception of the legal strong arming of the so called ‘war on drugs’, works just fine!! We’ve fought so long and hard. Many of us have paid high dues. So why does Uncle Sam get to be the one benefiting most. While the whole time historically still being able to charge taxes, fees and penalties under the threat of arrest and/or imprisonment even if the consumer has followed legal protocol. NO THANKS! Especially when the White House says, cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with nearly 17 million users.
“First, stop calling its cannabis. It’s weed. The rest of your day you call it weed, so don’t start calling it cannabis when you want to establish some sort of legitimacy. You’re not fooling anyone.
Second, maybe upstanding members of society are smoking weed all the time, but society as a whole isn't ready to process that just yet. There are certain people in positions of trust and power that we want, nay, need, to believe simply don’t dabble. Not just in weed, but in totally legal and socially acceptable booze. “ Tony Nitti, contributor for Forbes.com
This week at a Town Hall Meeting the Lt. Governor during the Q&A broached this argument also. Users and patients don’t care what you call it. The label doesn't change the benefits.
Medicinal Marijuana is actually legal in the state of South Carolina, and has been since 1980, which technically makes it the first state in the U.S. to have decriminalized the natural plant. A resolution passed at that time outlined that, as long as it is obtained directly from the Sas long as it is obtained directly from the Sh and Environmental Control (DHEC), marijuana can be legally used within the state. 23 years later DHEC has never distributed marijuana. Another piece of legislature passed through as a seeming appeasement with no value.
Learn more: South_Carolina_marijuana_natural_medicine
NC state has a marijuana tax stamp law enacted. This law mandates that those who possess marijuana are legally required to purchase and affix state-issued stamps onto his or her contraband. Failure to do so may result in a fine and/or criminal sanction. For more information, see NORML's REPORT ON TAX STAMPS AND PENALTIES
There are fifteen states that have laws that recognize medical marijuana’s value already. These laws are ineffective because they rely on federal cooperation.
I reject the notion of government permission! We need to be mindful to ask for changes that don’t rely on the execution,regulation or governmental assistance. While protecting the citizens and patients from misinterpretation by over zealous authorities. The raids resulting in loss of livelihood, public stigma, emotional distress to both adults and and the minors in the household. Repeatedly we see murderers, pedophiles and rapist get lighter sentences. While also having more rights.
Case in point; Todd Stimson, researcher, healer, local business owner/revenue generator, tax payer, citizen of Fletcher, NC Blue Ridge Medical Cannabis Research Cooperation
This is why it is not enough to be complacent and be satisfied. People like Todd Stimson and sadly, the rest of his family and patients are paying the price for your toking pleasures. My recommendation is decriminalized and deregulation!
Deregulation is the reduction (or preferably) removal of government power.
There are many fears about drug wars and crime if it is deregulated. I challenge you to consider how the war and crime has been all along with the government regulation? Let’s face it they suck at it! And I don’t mean in the good way. The distribution systems are aleady in place. The end user just need to be free to be an American and use this plant as they deem appropriate for their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
The laws as in Mr. Stimson’s case were written and disregarded after the ‘gubment’ absconded with his money, product and attempted to take his peace. Along with the fact House Bill 609 NC Cancer Treatment Fairness Act poses the question even if not covered by insurance, as it should be, shouldn’t cannabis be included as specified by Section 1 Article 51 Chapter 58 for orally administered anti-cancer drugs? Stimson has the proven research from a patient that consumes cannabis in salad form. Our leaders and agencies haven’t done the research but refuse to allow responsible healers to do so either. Todd Stimson just yesterday, as he and his family face loss of income, stress, threat of the destruction of core family structure and mounting legal debt Henderson County has sent him a tax bill, for the very dispensary he's facing charges for, to the tune of $25,000! Where's the damn justice?!
If you smoke, be an activist! If you use hemp oil, be an activist, If you’re not going to be an activist support the warriors that do! 'They' win because we are medicine shamed into not admitting that we are being treated. We are very close to the end of this prohibition thanks to the support from every segment of society. Please get involved. Contact us or your local NORML to find out what you can do.
