Archives for category: Washington I-502

DSC_0059_003Sheriffs give DEA chief a standing ovation for slamming Obama’s pro-pot comments

“her lowest point in 33 years in the DEA was when she learned they’d flown a hemp flag over the Capitol on July 4. The sheriffs were all shocked. This is the first time in 28 years I’ve ever heard anyone in her position be this candid.”

Love to see newspeople ask:

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

 

Marijuana for profit-

“…the Bank Security Act and the Patriot Act — make it illegal for banks to take money from marijuana businesses.” 

Meanwhile-

Banks are A-OK with taking millions in heroin money:

“A news conference is planned for Wednesday where the FBI, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshals will distribute $3.6 million to local police departments. The money was seized after busting one of Ohio’s largest heroin distribution rings.”

Related:

Marijuana, heroin & beer

You are an adult in Washington State

Puget Sound Heroin

Heroin & the Port Angeles Border Patrol

News tip/story idea

Struggling to Defend the Border Patrol

A very serious War on Terror

Proud War on Terror- unable to keep heroin out of the US

Discuss on facebook here, or here.

 

 

Photo- No crowds today at Mystery Bay

 

DSC_0011_011Voter approved marijuana businesses prohibited from using a bank:

“In essence, we would be laundering money as the law looks at it,” said Larry Hueth, president and CEO of Port Angeles-based First Federal.

“We would be breaking the law.”

Love to see newspeople ask:

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

 

Marijuana is controversial- beer is not.

Local event happening on the same weekend the above story came out:

Strange Brewfest 2014-

“Although Port Townsend has no shortage of hotel rooms, this event sells out the entire town every year.”

 

Marijuana for profit-

“…the Bank Security Act and the Patriot Act — make it illegal for banks to take money from marijuana businesses.” 

 

Heroin for profit-

Somehow, arrangements can be made at the bank to deal with sums as large as $3.6 million?

Is there an incentive to allow heroin traffickers to cross into the US?

If heroin was prevented from entering the US- law enforcement paydays like this one might not be possible:

Justice Department distributes more than $3.4 million to local law enforcement

From another source:

“A news conference is planned for Wednesday where the FBI, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshals will distribute $3.6 million to local police departments. The money was seized after busting one of Ohio’s largest heroin distribution rings.”

 

Related:

You are an adult in Washington State

Puget Sound Heroin

Heroin & the Port Angeles Border Patrol

News tip/story idea

Struggling to Defend the Border Patrol

A very serious War on Terror

Proud War on Terror- unable to keep heroin out of the US

Discuss on facebook here, or here.

 

 

Photo Starfish at Oak Bay

 

DSCN4509Ted Cruz Faults Obama for Not Imposing Marijuana Prohibition on States That Have Rejected It

Some are saying the Senator is being misunderstood.

I looked for anything written on his position Re: The Drug War or marijuana policy & could not find anything.

Is there anything written into a state or national platform from either of our major political parties indicating that they are interested in marijuana legalization or ending The Drug War?

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

Related-

You are an adult in Washington State

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo-

Early winter morning- Point No Point, WA

 

DSC_0006_007It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

Pot smokers warned: think twice before crossing U.S. border

This is the same country that celebrates independence from a powerful central government each summer.

What if you are a resident of Washington State- returning home from Canada- will you be questioned about past or future marijuana use? Then what?

 

Surely- the elected representatives Washington State sends to the nation’s capitol will press to remedy this situation?

Video:

Congressman Reichert on supporting legal pot: ‘I can’t do it’

Background:

Washington I-502

Congressman Reichert,

What does this tell young people about voting on election day?

How does each vote count when federal representatives do not support state election outcomes?

The freedom talk is just for federal holidays and overseas military operations.

Please see this essay by Congressman Reichert:

Sharing Freedom’s Stories

 

You are free to do as we tell you.

Bill Hicks

Meanwhile- heroin traffickers enter the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, questions about marijuana use, etc.

Multi-jurisdictional drug bust nets nearly $2 million combined of cocaine and heroin

 

A powerful central government knows what’s best for each one of us.

How about legal anti-depression meds that may bring on thoughts of suicide (0:34)

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo-

Crescent Beach- Vancouver Island in the distance

 

DSC_0051_005Step Saver:

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

Washington State update:

12 months after the election- still not enough time to keep marijuana complicated:

Island County pot moratorium discussion sparks courthouse ruckus

Would-be pot producers run into obstacles in Washington state

The freedom talk is just for federal holidays and overseas military operations.

Every vote counts?

Wine is OK, marijuana is not: You are an adult in Washington State

After extensive meetings and hearings over many months time- The Black Market has ruled that sales of untaxed product will continue to move forward- just as in years past.

Probably even more than in years past because after the 2012 election- county prosecutors decided not to wait on meeting results involving Governor Gregoire & the federal government, Drug Czar approval, twelve months to plan rules on sales and retail infrastructure, etc.

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo- Crescent Beach

 

DSC_0017You may choose to take a friend and travel to wine country.

Maybe you will stay over at a hotel or B&B.

You tour one or more wineries- you buy a bottle to take home, or maybe a dozen bottles– no doctor’s authorization required.

No controversy.

Why is marijuana any different?

 

Prohibition remains in place for adults age 18-20.

The law should not divide adults into groups of first & second class citizens.

 

You are free to do as we tell you.

Bill Hicks

 

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

Government permissions, authorizations, permits, and applications for marijuana should be no more complicated than those required to use a glass of wine.

Related:

A Free Society?

The Black Market

 

Discuss on facebook here.

 

DSC_0002_022Halftime sports announcers telling us that overseas military operations are somehow linked to American rights and freedoms keeps the focus on asking questions in these areas.

 

It’s Official: State Proposes Gutting Medical Cannabis Law

 

Sort of like the school lunch program replacing your favorite cafe:
New rules would ban medical marijuana dispensaries in state once recreational pot stores open

 

“Legal” marijuana in Washington State

Masterminding a centrally planned economy-

CLALLAM: County, city governments quiet on recreational pot law

Panel examines future of medical pot in state

Medical-pot sellers fear being ‘thrown under bus’

Prohibition remains in place for adults age 18-20 & for those who want to grow a plant for recreational use.

 

You are an adult in Washington State.

You may choose to take a friend and travel to wine country.

Maybe you will stay over at a hotel or B&B.

You tour one or more wineries- you buy a bottle to take home, or maybe a dozen bottles– no doctor’s authorization required.

No controversy.

Why is marijuana any different?

 

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

No doctor’s note required for a glass of wine- why is marijuana any different?

 

One of the control freak’s biggest concerns is that people who get authorization to use medical marijuana are just looking for an excuse to get high.

How about the folks who line up for happy hours at bars, taverns & restaurants all across America-

Are they making up excuses to purchase shots of tequila and pitchers of beer?

 

What if someone shows up at work after smoking marijuana?

Employers control workplace standards of conduct- same as it always has been/same as for alcohol.

 

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

 

You are free to do as we tell you.

Bill Hicks

 

A powerful central government knows what’s best for each one of us.

How about legal anti-depression meds that may bring on thoughts of suicide (0:34)

 

Government permissions, authorizations, permits, and applications for marijuana should be no more complicated than those required to use a glass of wine.

Related:

A Free Society?

The Black Market

 

Discuss on facebook here.

 

DSC_0007_002

It takes time to mastermind a centrally planned economy-

Board seeks additional time in crafting rules for legal pot

Step Saver:

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

Background:

Washington I-502

Update:

After extensive meetings and hearings over many months time- The Black Market has ruled that sales of untaxed product will continue to move forward- just as in years past.

Probably even more than in years past because after the election- county prosecutors decided not to wait on meeting results involving Governor Gregoire & the federal government, Drug Czar approval, twelve months to plan rules on sales and retail infrastructure, etc.

Nov 2012-

Prosecutors in large and small counties in Washington are throwing out marijuana cases involving untaxed product that were pending prior to election day:

NORTH OLYMPIC PENINSULA — Pot enforcement put on hold for small amounts — except on federal lands

Clallam County dismissing charges

Another County Prosecutor throwing out current marijuana cases:

Whidbey officials gear up for new marijuana law

Add Clark County to the list:

Some local misdemeanor marijuana cases to be dismissed

Spokane County too:

UPDATE: Spokane County Dropping Some Marijuana Cases

Washington’s largest counties weigh in:

“The people have spoken through this initiative, and as a practical matter, I don’t think you could sell a simple marijuana case to a jury after this initiative passed.”

Three more counties make the call:

Yakima prosecutors to throw out pending marijuana cases

Thurston County dismissing some marijuana cases

Kitsap County drops 60 pot cases

 

Related-

Washington State Marijuana

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

DSC_0003 5Video:

Congressman Reichert on supporting legal pot: ‘I can’t do it’

Background:

Washington I-502

Congressman Reichert,

What does this tell young people about voting on election day?

How does each vote count when federal representatives do not support state election outcomes?

 

Congressman Reichert,

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

 

Smaller government & the Constitution- right up until somebody wants to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard, shut down undeclared wars overseas or marry the lover of their choice.

 

The freedom talk is just for federal holidays and overseas military operations.

Please see this essay by Congressman Reichert:

Sharing Freedom’s Stories

 

The black market favors prohibition, high taxes & complicated regulations-

Study: Nearly 40 percent of cigs in Washington are contraband

 

Preserving a free society, free markets, free trade, private property rights, & a minimal bureaucracy where SWAT raids are used to go after adults who want to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard.

 

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

 

Standing by for federal authorities to tell the people of Washington State what they are permitted to do with marijuana-

6 Hanford tanks are leaking nuclear waste, Inslee says

 

A powerful central government knows what’s best for each one of us.

How about legal anti-depression meds that may bring on thoughts of suicide (0:34)

 

Government permissions, authorizations, permits, and applications for marijuana should be no more complicated than those required to use a glass of wine.

 

Look for the drug war to remain in place-

The Drug War places us all at risk

Related-

The legal drug dealers sold 371 tons of pills to people who did not need them:

A huge success for the legal drug dealers

A Free Society?

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Happy Hours

 

DSCN7980

“THIS WHOLE LEGAL MARIJUANA BUSINESS IS REALLY, REALLY BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT”

 

If prohibition was ended- anybody could grow marijuana or bring it home from places where it grows outdoors.

This is not about to happen.

Shortcut for policy makers:

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

 

Prediction- untaxed marijuana will continue to be available in all 50 states. Masterminding a centrally planned economy will not change this.

 

Black market update:

Study: Nearly 40 percent of cigs in Washington are contraband

 

Pro Drug War/federal grant money TV spot:

Will marijuana legalization lead to more violence in Wash. state?

Violence is linked to prohibition. Medical marijuana has been here since 1998. Have legal medical marijuana operations caused violence?

Do agricultural practices linked to beer and wine production cause violence?

 

This is what prohibition looks like:

“U.S. Border Patrol agent pleads guilty to smuggling 147 pounds marijuana while on duty”

Allowing legal, domestic production of marijuana would serve to eliminate a portion of distraction and potential corruption at the border- but we can’t have that in a free society.

 

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

 

Related:

The legal drug dealers sold 371 tons of pills to people who did not need them.

Washington State Marijuana

Both major parties on marijuana policy-

Freedom Fetish

 

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

DSC_0047

They sold 371 tons of pills to people who did not need them-

DEA’s latest prescription drug take-back day nets 371 tons of pills

 

Non-toxic marijuana remains illegal

 

Federal toxic waste disposal program required to rid the community of legal drugs.

 

Cross-state hazmat evacuation operation conducted to rid communities of toxic products sold by legal drug dealers:

“The pharmaceutical drugs, including highly addictive narcotic painkillers, are taken to an Environmental Protection Agency-approved incinerator in Spokane, where law enforcement officials destroy the drugs they seize on the street.”

 

A powerful central government knows what’s best for each one of us.

How about legal anti-depression meds that may bring on thoughts of suicide (0:34)

 

Budget/jobs/economy concerns?

Instant, non-experimental jobs program/revenue generator requiring zero tax dollars-

Allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.

 

Discuss on facebook

 

 

Photo- Mystery Bay

 

DSC_0085

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

 

Government permissions, authorizations, permits, and applications for marijuana should be no more complicated than those required to use a glass of wine.

 

The freedom talk is just for federal holidays and overseas military operations-

“But the state’s most important allies in this risky political fight — its 12-member congressional delegation — have remained mostly silent.”

 

Masterminding a centrally planned economy-

Governor Inslee sends letter detailing state’s legal pot plan

Inslee also wrote that he is exploring digitally tracking legally grown plants and processed marijuana to preclude large-scale diversion. He mentioned that apples in the state can already be traced from individual orchards, “through packing houses and distributors, and ultimately to market.”

Governor Inslee,

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

 

Standing by for federal authorities to tell the people of Washington State what they are permitted to do with marijuana-

6 Hanford tanks are leaking nuclear waste, Inslee says

 

“…strict advertising limits will minimize exposure to those under 21.”

During major sports events- every other ad on TV is for some version of super popular watered down beer. What prevents adults age 18-20 from viewing these ads?

 

A 25% tax to discourage the black market?

House panel hears bill to tax medical pot sales

 

Elected officials aren’t too good at prohibition-

Heroin continues to make it past the drones-

 

Black market update:

Study: Nearly 40 percent of cigs in Washington are contraband

 

Both major parties on marijuana policy-

 

Look for the drug war to remain in place-

The Drug War places us all at risk

 

A powerful central government knows what’s best for each one of us.

How about legal anti-depression meds that may bring on thoughts of suicide (0:34)

 

Related-

Freedom Fetish

 

 

Photo- Fog clears at Port Hadlock

 

DSC_0104

Effort building to change U.S. marijuana laws

“An effort is building in Congress to change U.S. marijuana laws, including moves to legalize the industrial production of hemp and establish a hefty federal pot tax.”

“…growers would have to obtain a federal permit.”

 

This does not sound like ending the drug war.

Many fans of legalization seem to look past plans for federal taxes and permits.

 

Washington State already has plans for hefty taxes.

Still wondering how high tax penalties will end the black market:

Study: Nearly 40 percent of cigs in Washington are contraband

Tax benefit expected from marijuana sales:

“The Office of Financial Management has concluded that taxes will raise $1.9 billion (that’s no typo, not “million” but “billion”) within five years.”

 

Surely- people must be controlled with licenses, permits, permissions, inspections, certificates, authorizations, fees, directives and mandates.

How else could we be safe?

 

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

If people are free to opt out- as they do when they produce their own wine or beer- I would be less critical of this.

 

 

Photo- Port Townsend scene

 

 

DSCN7980

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

 

Prediction- state and federal governments will work together to keep the black market up & running.

 

The Washington State situation-

January, 2013-

Federal government explains role in Washington’s new marijuana law

“If you have a for profit business that operates selling drugs, the Feds will step in.”

 

Strict pot controls needed, state says

“Garza said it’s important for officials to properly project consumption rates so the state is growing the right amount of product for in-state users and not having any extra supply that could spill into other states that haven’t legalized marijuana.”

 

Still wondering how high tax penalties will end the black market:

Study: Nearly 40 percent of cigs in Washington are contraband

Tax benefit expected from marijuana sales:

“The Office of Financial Management has concluded that taxes will raise $1.9 billion (that’s no typo, not “million” but “billion”) within five years.”

 

BREAKING: In Fight Over Marijuana’s Scheduling, Appeals Court Rules in Favor of DEA and Schedule I

A powerful central government knows what’s best for each one of us.

How about legal anti-depression meds that may bring on thoughts of suicide (0:34)

 

“Hurst said the initiative also doesn’t set strict enough rules for businesses linked to DUIs or other crimes their patrons might commit in surrounding areas. Under the initiative as it stands, there’s no set number of nearby crimes that would automatically trigger a sanction. Instead, the law gives the liquor control board discretion to decide when a business is associated with too much wrongdoing.”

 

Instant, non-experimental jobs program/revenue generator requiring zero tax dollars-

Allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.

 

In California, it looks like the local government was trying to do the right thing-

Mendocino County spars with feds over conflicting marijuana laws

 

You are free to do as we tell you.

Bill Hicks

 

Related-

Freedom Fetish

Washington state-licensed marijuana outlets?

The Drug War places us all at risk

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

DSCN8988

US Department of Homeland Security:

 

More here:

Video collection- DHS checkpoints

 

DHS checkpoints shut down in Jefferson County WA:

Federal Policy No Longer Enforced at the Local Level?

 

State and local LE agencies do not conduct DUI/suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.

DUI checkpoints elsewhere in the US:

 

 

 

Photo-

Platoon 3049, MCRD San Diego

Jun-Sep 1979

 

DSCN6929.JPG

Inslee vows to press Obama administration to support legalization of marijuana in Washington

 

Cities and counties here are not waiting on federal Drug Czar approval.

They are not waiting for the state to use up the next 12 months deciding on rules, authorizations and permissions for licenses & retail outlets.

They are not enforcing federal law.

They are throwing out marijuana cases involving untaxed product that were pending prior to election day.

What incentive do people have to wait a year for the first state authorized retail outlet to open?

 

 

Photo- Point Hudson scene

 

 

DSCN3003

Bremerton- an old military town & home of the nation’s largest and longest-running Armed Forces Day parade– throws out marijuana cases involving untaxed product that were pending prior to election day:

Bremerton city attorney drops pot cases

Bremerton, located in Kitsap County, follows the County Prosecutor in saying no to federal policy:

County drops 60 pot cases

Kitsap County is home to the largest naval organization in Navy Region Northwest.

Port Townsend remains silent?

 

Related:

In Washington State- Mixed Messages on Marijuana

 

 

Photo-

Early winter morning at Point No Point, Kitsap County, WA

 

DSC_0088

City of Port Angeles-

“All Port Angeles Police officers have taken an oath to uphold not only state law, but federal law as well.”

City of Seattle-

The Seattle Police Department told its 1300+ officers via email Wednesday that “Until further notice, officers shall not take any enforcement action—other than to issue a verbal warning—for a violation of I-502.”

Some counties are going their own way:

County drops 60 pot cases

A couple of areas where state and federal enforcement are different here-

Medical Marijuana & suspicionless checkpoints away from border crossings and ports of entry:

Sobriety Checkpoint Laws

The US Border Patrol on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula turned small-time enforcement of marijuana over to state and local authorities years ago- see video here:

Federal Policy No Longer Enforced at the Local Level?

 

Related:

Hey Mr. Drug Czar-

Marijuana & the relevance of state, federal & UN authorities

Washington state-licensed marijuana outlets?

Marijuana is new? Washington State DUI testing plans-

 

Possibly of interest:

Suspicionless ID checks away from border crossings & ports of entry-

State and local law enforcement agencies do not conduct suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.

Border Patrol checkpoints came to Jefferson County, WA in 2008.

We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.

The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50

At that same forum a lady asked:

“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”

US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.

Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.

Question about providing ID is at 0:35

Checkpoints ended here in 2008- possibly due to well informed citizens and local protests. Looks like they weren’t vital to national security after all.

War on Terror- credibility squandered.

 

 

Photo- Foggy morning at Port Townsend

 

DSC_0036 2

U.S. Drug Czar on Legal Pot in Colorado and Washington: It’s “very clear that federal law will continue to be enforced”

 

Hey Mr. Federal Drug Czar-

How are you going to contain these county prosecutors?

Americans celebrate independence from a powerful central government each summer- these folks are taking delivery on all that freedom talk:

County drops 60 pot cases

The US Border Patrol on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula turned small-time enforcement of marijuana over to state and local authorities years ago.

State governors, federal Drug Czars & UN officials grasp for relevance as prosecutors in large and small counties in Washington are throwing out marijuana cases involving untaxed product that were pending prior to election day. They are not enforcing federal law.

What incentive do people have to wait another 12 months until the state opens its first store?

 

 

Photo- Fog clears at Port Hadlock

 

Counties in Washington State are not waiting on meeting results involving Governor Gregoire & the federal government, Drug Czar approval, twelve months to plan rules on sales and retail infrastructure, etc.

Prosecutors in large and small counties in Washington are throwing out marijuana cases involving untaxed product that were pending prior to election day:

NORTH OLYMPIC PENINSULA — Pot enforcement put on hold for small amounts — except on federal lands

Clallam County dismissing charges

Another County Prosecutor throwing out current marijuana cases:

Whidbey officials gear up for new marijuana law

Add Clark County to the list:

Some local misdemeanor marijuana cases to be dismissed

Spokane County too:

UPDATE: Spokane County Dropping Some Marijuana Cases

Washington’s largest counties weigh in:

“The people have spoken through this initiative, and as a practical matter, I don’t think you could sell a simple marijuana case to a jury after this initiative passed.”

Three more counties make the call:

Yakima prosecutors to throw out pending marijuana cases

Thurston County dismissing some marijuana cases

Kitsap County drops 60 pot cases

 

“Gov. Chris Gregoire says authorities in Washington, D.C., have not yet decided how to respond to new laws in Washington state and Colorado legalizing marijuana.”

“The Washington State Liquor Control Board is working to develop guidelines for the sale and distribution of marijuana and has until Dec. 1, 2013, to finalize those rules.”

Governor Gregoire-

How are state-run marijuana outlets (not ready to open for another 12 months) and federal Drug Czar approval relevant here?

Prosecutors in large and small counties in Washington are throwing out marijuana cases involving untaxed product that were pending prior to election day.

What incentive do people have to wait another 12 months until the state opens its first store?

Americans celebrate independence from a powerful central government each summer. The head of the United Nations drug watchdog agency is not pleased with Americans acting on their independent spirit.

The US Border Patrol on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula turned small-time enforcement of marijuana over to state and local authorities years ago.

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

What incentive do people have to wait a year for the first state authorized retail outlet to open?

Are state-licensed marijuana outlets relevant here?

Cities and counties in Washington State are not waiting on federal Drug Czar approval.

They are not waiting for the state to use up the next 12 months deciding on rules, authorizations and permissions for licenses & retail outlets.

They are not enforcing federal law.

They are throwing out marijuana cases involving untaxed product that were pending prior to election day.

 

Still wondering how high tax penalties will end the black market:

Study: Nearly 40 percent of cigs in Washington are contraband

Tax benefit expected from marijuana sales:

“The Office of Financial Management has concluded that taxes will raise $1.9 billion (that’s no typo, not “million” but “billion”) within five years.”

Maybe Washington State can sell the Discover Pass alongside their highly taxed marijuana-

“The Discover Pass, hastily rolled out last year as a new revenue source, hasn’t met expectations. The program – requiring state park visitors to pay $10 for a day pass, or $30 for a year – was projected to bring in $23.4 million in the first year. It managed only $13.2 million.”

 

 

Photo- Westbound on Route 66 – Texas 1988

 

Asking a few questions here is not to defend operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, legal or illegal drugs or marijuana.

 

“Marijuana consumed within the past seven to 10 days usually triggers a positive result, said Swedish’s Dr. Ray Jarris. In the future, tests — such as oral swabs — may be able to more precisely pinpoint recent usage, but not yet, he said.”

 

With pot legal, police worry about road safety

“We’ve had decades of studies and experience with alcohol,” said Washington State Patrol spokesman Dan Coon. “Marijuana is new, so it’s going to take some time to figure out how the courts and prosecutors are going to handle it. But the key is impairment: We will arrest drivers who drive impaired, whether it be drugs or alcohol.”

Marijuana is new?

Nonsense.

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 would remain so- even if recreational use of marijuana never became legal.

Maybe the Washington State Patrol sees this as a non-issue.

 

My view is that traffic safety professionals should initiate recommendations on speed limits, guard rails, road signs, traffic lights, DUI protocols, etc.

A new testing protocol is now forced on the traffic safety professionals of our state by the voters.

Where is the marijuana related accident data of the past 20 years?

If there has been a problem on the roads- why has the Washington State Patrol made no recommendations on how to address the situation?

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

Jefferson County, WA-

Marijuana

2008-

Small-scale pot busts snared in Border Patrol stops

2009-

Federal marijuana cases to be referred to state & local authorities (01:16)

 

2012-

Counties in Washington State are not waiting on meeting results involving Governor Gregoire & the federal government, Drug Czar approval, twelve months to plan rules on sales and retail infrastructure, etc.

Prosecutors in large and small counties in Washington are throwing out marijuana cases involving untaxed product that were pending prior to election day:

NORTH OLYMPIC PENINSULA — Pot enforcement put on hold for small amounts — except on federal lands

Clallam County dismissing charges

Another County Prosecutor throwing out current marijuana cases:

Whidbey officials gear up for new marijuana law

Add Clark County to the list:

Some local misdemeanor marijuana cases to be dismissed

Spokane County too:

UPDATE: Spokane County Dropping Some Marijuana Cases

Washington’s largest counties weigh in:

“The people have spoken through this initiative, and as a practical matter, I don’t think you could sell a simple marijuana case to a jury after this initiative passed.”

Three more counties make the call:

Yakima prosecutors to throw out pending marijuana cases

Thurston County dismissing some marijuana cases

Kitsap County drops 60 pot cases

 

Suspicionless ID checks away from border crossings & ports of entry-

State and local law enforcement agencies do not conduct suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.

Border Patrol checkpoints came to Jefferson County, WA in 2008.

We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.

The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50

At that same forum a lady asked:

“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”

US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.

Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.

Question about providing ID is at 0:35

 

Checkpoints ended here in 2008- possibly due to well informed citizens and local protests. Looks like they weren’t vital to national security after all.

War on Terror- credibility squandered.

 

Discuss on facebook

Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol timeline here.

 

Possibly of interest:

The Garage Sale Incident

 

 

Photo- Mystery Bay scene

 

Colorado & Washington say yes to marijuana for recreational use.

 

Favorite objections to legalization:

“Your school bus driver, airline pilot, or heart surgeon will show up high at work.”

These folks have had access to marijuana for decades. Check with your HR department- employees across America are forbidden to report to work under the influence of alcohol, mind altering legal or illegal drugs or marijuana. Ditto for using any of these on the job. Employers maintain control Re: workplace standards of conduct. Still trying to figure out how using marijuana on New Years Eve matters days later on the job, but that is for employers to decide.

“Legalization of marijuana sends the wrong message to kids.”

Prohibition of alcohol for adults age 18-20 sends the wrong message to kids. Underage access to marijuana has been a reality for decades. Family values voters should play the role of strong parents and educate their children Re: marijuana, alcohol & life in general. Guilty until proven innocent federal policies for adults probably aren’t the way to go.

“Federal law trumps state law.”

The idea is not to be ruled by federal law.

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

Americans celebrate independence from a powerful central government each summer.

Nice to see a couple of states are not wanting to be ruled from Washington DC on marijuana.

 

I-502

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

I would have preferred an end to prohibition & the Drug War as it relates to marijuana.

 

Tax the hell out of it?

Do heavy tax penalties fuel the black market?

Study: Nearly 40 percent of cigs in Washington are contraband

 

Driving while impaired testing/legal limits for marijuana-

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 would remain so- even if recreational use of marijuana never became legal.

Maybe the Washington State Patrol sees this as a non-issue.

 

More on I-502

I-502 is heavy on arbitrary pre-crime mandates

All set to reduce marijuana arrests-

Looks like there will be plenty of arresting to do.

Will I-502 improve on this situation?

 

 

Photo- Fort Worden scene

 

– a control freak society that brags about freedom anytime federal holidays and overseas military operations are in the news.

After playing make-believe during federal holidays, it’s back to reality and living in a world of authoritarian mandates on personal behaviors that harm no one.

Possession laws, paraphernalia laws, open container laws, sales restrictions linked to location, hours, day of the week, holidays, prohibition laws for adults age 18-20, suspicionless roadblocks and checkpoints away from border crossings, etc.

In Washington State- we’re all set to divide adults up into groups of first and second class citizens then see what the majority thinks about them smoking marijuana for fun or marrying their lover.

In the case of marijuana- prohibition will remain in place for adults age 18 to 20 no matter what voters have to say.

 

The White House position on ballot initiatives in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington that would legalize marijuana can be seen here.

The freedom talk from politicians is just for federal holidays and overseas military operations.

It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal war on drugs, drug czar, prohibition of marijuana, etc.

America is a land of freedom that struggles to control peaceful & voluntary adult behavior.

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

Americans were never meant to agree on matters of a personal nature. This is why we have so many different churches here.

Pay to camp here overnight- but don’t get caught drinking a beer during your stay-

The people who run both major parties & the conventions that nominate presidential candidates agree on the Drug War.

Ditto for the TV networks that host presidential debates & ask scripted questions of candidates.

Both major parties are OK with decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas.

 

You are free to do as we tell you.

Bill Hicks

 

 

Photo- Wooden Boat weekend at Port Townsend

 

 

 

Unless you:

Are an adult age 18-20-

Possess more than an ounce-

Grow a plant-

Or possess marijuana from other than state sanctioned outlets.

Looks like there will be plenty of arresting to do.

 

Law enforcement resources should be used to go after individuals who are harming others- not for policing arbitrary pre-crime scenarios.

 

Marijuana laws don’t work so we’ll go with tight regulatory control-

 

Related:

I-502 is heavy on arbitrary pre-crime mandates

I-502 leaves the smaller government Drug War fully in place

Freedom Fetish

 

You are free to do as we tell you.

Bill Hicks

 

Surely- people must be controlled with licenses, permits, permissions, inspections, certificates, authorizations, fees, directives and mandates.

How else could we be safe?

Medical marijuana: ‘Medibles’ industry thrives, lacks safety regulations

 

American culture has a freedom fetish. It brags about freedom anytime federal holidays or overseas military operations are in the news, while insisting on controlling peaceful & voluntary adult behavior.

 

Could people rely on each other or on private organizations to monitor quality control?

Gardens help fill shelves at food banks

“Contributions come from small farms, community pea patches and backyard planting boxes.”

 

I am not out to do away with certifications, but business owners should be free to opt out.

This concept is already at work in the case of organic farms that go with organic protocols except for the time, expense and paperwork required for government certification.

Raw milk is another example.

ULConsumer Reports, and AAA are examples of private organizations that work to monitor safety and performance of consumer products and services.

Washington State may not be such a great leader in terms of health standards anyway. Soap is always present on Washington State ferries. In Washington State Parks, it is common to find no soap in the restrooms. People live in parks for days at a time, prepare food, host reunions and attempt to teach children proper hygene habits.

 

Discuss on facebook here.

 

 

Photo-

Rush Hour- Port Townsend

 

You are free to do as we tell you.

Bill Hicks

 

I-502:

Large tax penalties maintain black market incentives.

Dealers, traffickers and cartels like the idea of high taxes on marijuana.

“The Office of Financial Management has concluded that taxes will raise $1.9 billion (that’s no typo, not “million” but “billion”) within five years.”

 

Prohibition remains in place for adults age 18-20.

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.

 

More than one ounce is illegal.

 

Growing a plant is illegal.

 

Marijuana from other than state sanctioned outlets is illegal.

 

DUI testing scheme begins.

 

How will I-502 end violent SWAT raids on people who want to grow a plant at home or possess more than 1 ounce?

 

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?

 

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.

 

Related-

Deconstructing I-502 Part 8: Opposition In Summary

 

 

Photo- Port Townsend scene

 

Insists on dividing people up into groups– then assigning a separate value to each group.

 

Cheers on military forces that are not in the habit of winning decades of undeclared wars in distant lands.

Credits The Troops with defending American rights and freedoms- as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.

 

Stopped supporting a draft a long time ago.

 

Spends money on gunboat escorts for ferries on Puget Sound while terrorists are free to put their boat on a trailer and drive it onto the ferry.

 

Spends months promoting the idea of buying stuff to celebrate Christmas.

 

Brags about freedom- then goes with a control freak approach on individual liberty.

 

Lies about the stories associated with federal holidays.

Celebrates independence from a powerful central government.

Tries to make people feel guilty for not properly observing some federal holidays.

 

Talks about legalizing marijuana while including restrictions that leave prohibition and the drug war in place for adults age 18-20, those who want to grow a plant at home, possess more than an ounce, or possess marijuana from non-state sanctioned outlets.

 

Talks about placing high taxes on legal marijuana.

Dealers, traffickers and cartels are good with this idea.

 

Supports a Homeland Security police state that can’t keep heroin and cocaine out of the US.

 

Tolerates reporters who do not ask questions.

 

Tolerates politicians who lie about clean energy.

 

Supports a Drug War that places us all at risk.

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center

 

Study: State spent $200M on pot enforcement

After I-502 passes-

How much will be spent on prohibition Re: adults age 18-20, those possessing more than one ounce, those growing a plant, and those who obtain marijuana from other than state sanctioned outlets?

 

How much will be spent on DUI testing and enforcement?

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?

 

 

Photo- Port Hadlock Transit Center