What Did President Obama’s Comments On Marijuana Legalization Mean?

Former “Choom Gang” Member Barack “Barry Soetoro” Hussein Obama II

Barbara Walters interview with President Obama aired last Friday and marijuana legalization was one of the topics covered.  Reactions have varied from the hopeful to the pessimistic since a preview of the interview and a partial transcript were released.  Now that the interview has been aired, where do the marijuana legalization measures in Colorado and Washington stand with the federal government?  Different people took different things away from the interview.  Just as I have blogged previously, I don’t think that President Obama said anything very substantial and feel that it is up to us — the cannabis law reform communities — to lead on this issue because the President simply isn’t. (Anthony Johnson)

Here is the full story from Anthony Johnson

Colorado voters legalize marijuana

MPP reports on the legalization of marijuana in Colorado.

On November 6, 2012, the voters of Colorado approved Amendment 64. Passage of this amendment to the Colorado Constitution repeals the state prohibition of marijuana and replaces it with a system of taxation and regulation. Although marijuana is still prohibited under federal law, 99% of all marijuana arrests are made by state or local authorities, so change in state law will protect the vast majority of Colorado adults who choose to use marijuana.

In a nutshell, what does this amendment do? The amendment makes the personal use, possession, and limited home growing of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age and older. It establishes a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol. The amendment will set up a system of marijuana distribution comprised of cultivators, product manufacturers (such as for marijuana-infused baked goods), and retail establishments. It also allows for the cultivation, processing, and sale of industrial hemp.

Washington legalizes personal use marijuana

MPP reports on the legalization of marijuana in Washington State.

On November 6, 2012, the voters of Washington approved I-502. Passage of this law repeals the state prohibition of marijuana and replaces it with a system of taxation and regulation. Although marijuana is still prohibited under federal law, 99% of all marijuana arrests are made by state or local authorities, so change in state law will protect the vast majority of Washington adults who choose to use marijuana.

In a nutshell, what does this law do? The law legalizes the possession of marijuana for adults age 21 and older under state law. The only marijuana that will be legal to sell in the state will be grown by specially licensed Washington farmers and sold in standalone, marijuana-only stores operated by private Washington businesses licensed and regulated by the state. I-502 also decriminalizes industrial hemp under Washington law.

Massachusetts voters approved medical marijuana

Marijuana Policy Projects reports on the medical marijuana ballot initiative in Massachusetts.

On November 6, 2012, Massachusetts voters approved Question 3, making Massachusetts the 18^th state to allow the medical use of marijuana. The Bay State joined its New England neighbors Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine in protecting the rights of patients whose doctors recommend medical marijuana.

In a nutshell, what does Question 3 do? Question 3 allows patients with debilitating medical conditions to possess up to a 60-day supply of medical marijuana, and it requires the Department of Public Health to register up to 35 medical marijuana treatment centers — non-profit entities legally authorized to cultivate, process, transport, and distribute medical marijuana — by January 1, 2014. Patients who have limited access to treatment centers may register with the department to cultivate their own limited supply of medical marijuana.