Legalization?
Unfortunately, I-502 does nothing to end guilty until proven innocent police raids on peaceful people.
“Port Townsend Police raided a house Wednesday morning, and learned by that afternoon the resident apparently had a license to grow medical marijuana.
About 8 a.m. April 11 police raided a home on the 300 block of Hendricks Street after the receiving a tip from passersby that a strong odor was emanating from the residence.”
Marijuana legalization (not really) in Washington State –
Not asking people to vote against it– just want people to have an honest understanding of what is in play.
Many people seem to think I-502 will be a first step in the right direction- & that improvements can come later.
Alcohol prohibition ended in the 1930s. The federal government imposed alcohol prohibition on adults age 18-20 in 1984. It wasn’t until 2011 that voters authorized private liquor sales in Washington State.
We’ve had medical marijuana here since 1998– efforts to smooth out rough edges have not gone well.
Makes sense to get it right the first time.
I do believe- if I-502 creates a train wreck with the feds- that may be a good thing.
The average voter who does not care much about liberty or marijuana will be angered to see the feds try to interfere with what people want locally.
How will I-502 end violent SWAT raids on people who want to grow a plant at home or possess more than 1 ounce?
Hey ACLU of Washington- how can the I-502 drug dog/SWAT team tell if there is more than 1 ounce or a single plant growing behind a peaceful homeowner’s door?
NORML- (supports I-502)
Driving while impaired testing/legal limits for marijuana-
The concern is that bodily fluids may test positive for residual evidence of marijuana use (not abuse) unrelated to driving while impaired.
This is not to defend operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, legal or illegal drugs or marijuana– the concern is to avoid wrongful DUI arrests for people who are not impaired.
Medical marijuana has been here since 1998.
Has I-692 caused problems on the highways?
If this is an honest concern- what has the state been waiting on?
People have been able to get behind the wheel after using marijuana for decades.
This will remain so- even if recreational use of marijuana never becomes legal.
Maybe the Washington State Patrol sees this as a non-issue.
Some will say there is no reason to be concerned about being forced to submit to a marijuana impairment test because in order to be stopped for impaired driving- you have to show impairment?
This leaves out the possibility of being involved in an accident through no fault of your own- rear ended, hit a deer, etc.
During the accident investigation you are asked to submit to a test- maybe you appear to be stressed out, nervous, in shock, emotional, etc.
Perhaps you’ll be forced to prove your innocence at a DUI checkpoint?
NORML- (supports I-502)
Call off the drug dogs & tax payer-funded SWAT raids?
No- I-502 leaves the Drug War fully in place for adults age 18-20- possibly resulting in a drug related conviction barring eligibility for scholarships, future employment, etc.
I would have thought the ACLU would be the last to propose dividing adults into groups of 1st and 2nd class citizens- those age 18-20 being prohibited from acting on their natural rights.
All adults should receive the protections and benefits of lifting a marijuana prohibition which is more harmful than the effects of adult marijuana use.
Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here.
Why should the force of government/majority rule be connected in any way to these sorts of adult choices?
Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.