New Law Would Legalize Marijuana in Oregon

Can an antiquated law from 1937 called the "Marihuana Tax Act" finally be turned around? Those guiding the passage of this new Oregon law will put the credibility and effectiveness of the 1937 legislation to the test.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A proposed law for Oregon would radically alter the availability of marijuana for adults, by allowing the herb to be purchased in liquor stores. The Oregonians For Cannabis Reform 2010, say the Oregonian Cannabis Tax Act would make cannabis products legal and available in a retail environment. Proponents say it will mean millions and millions of dollars for Oregon's state coffers and many predict that the move would literally salvage the state's unstable economy.

Backers of this Initiative say their plan would send 90 percent of the proceeds from the state's sale of marijuana to Oregon's General Fund, which could lower the state tax burden significantly. Portions of the revenue would be used to fund drug abuse education and treatment programs.

But right now, the people bringing this opportunity for Oregon voters forward, says their effort needs money, equipment, and, most of all, volunteers.

But they say the payoff will be enormous, as the Cannabis Tax Act (CTA) will take the lucrative marijuana market out of the black market, where children and substance abusers often control it today, and place it in state liquor stores, where the age limit of 21 and older is strictly enforced.

Advocates also say it will be like a rebirth of the Oregon farmer. Farmers will be licensed to cultivate cannabis for both medicinal and adult private use. Farmers will be able to grow industrial hemp without a license, for paper, fabric, protein and oil, under the new proposed law.

While the overall law as it is proposed addresses all marijuana use for adults, there are specific allowances to aid the ongoing battle for the rights of medical marijuana users. The CTA will allow doctors to prescribe untaxed cannabis through pharmacies, so patients won’t have to grow their own or buy medicine illegally.

The law would modify Oregon's program and ultimately, see it appear more similar to California, where dispensaries are already available for people using marijuana legally.

They say that while accomplishing so many things, the law would also raise millions of dollars in new public revenue, lowering the tax burden on all and saving taxpayers money by taking the profit out of crime.

More than marijuana, the CTA will restore industrial hemp, the most productive agricultural source of fiber protein and oil, and a huge aspect of American heritage. Hemp seed oil is diesel fuel. The first cordage, cloth and paper were invented from hemp fiber.

Advocates say the laws would virtually wipe out the black-market. "The CTA allows police and the courts to concentrate on real criminals that hurt others, not arrest, prosecute and jail harmless, productive adult cannabis users. Stop our government from tearing families apart. Let’s show real family values and end cannabis prohibition."

The OCTA will wage its campaign to help stop the War on Cannabis by challenging the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act- it's credibility and effectiveness. This is the law that was precededd by mass hype and hysteria fed to the American public by Harry Anslinger, (see: Harry Anslinger page on Wikipedia) a dubious U.S. politician who worked with Dow Chemicals and Dupont in the 1920's and 30's, to demonize marijuana and place it in an illegal category, in order to get their new "synthetic rope" on the market. In truth, the natural hemp fiber is to this day, superior in strength, quality and durability.

It would appear that Anslinger was a conservative who truly believed marijuana to be a threat to the future of American civilization, yet his biographer maintained that he was an astute government bureaucrat who viewed the marijuana issue as a means for elevating himself to national prominence.

Paul Stanford of the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, told KATU that the measure would also put a dent in illegal dealing of the weed.

"We want to take marijuana out of the hands of children and substance abusers, who control the market today, and put it in the hands of the state's liquor control commission and the age limit of 21 will be strictly enforced," Stanford said.

Others say it is simply the time to do this, and the next presidential administration will almost certainly live up to statements that they will be supportive of state's legal rights to pass marijuana laws, and redirect federal agents and protocols. This clears the path for very large steps as medical marijuana tests and research continues to yield one new medical application after another.

Dr. Phillip Leveque of Molalla, Oregon, first became familiar with the positive health-related aspects of marijuana in the early 1950's, while studying at the Oregon Medical School in Corvallis. That was a bottle of marijuana cough medicine from before Harry Anslinger's time. Leveque is a WWII combat veteran. As a physician, toxicologist and pharmacologist, Dr Leveque offers sound reasoning. "I would be far more surprised to see someone come up with something it is not helpful for, as a medical property." He says little time is passing now between large developments that show marijuana's potential role in society as a legal product.

Supporters have two years to collect nearly 83,000 signatures to get the measure on the November ballot in 2010. They say you can learn more about this proposed new law for Oregon, by visiting this page: CannabisTaxAct.org/oregon/

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Dale Lincoln July 10, 2013 11:08 am (Pacific time)

It's common sense. This should have been done 20 years ago. The questions that will need answered later are of the nature of testing those people under the influence while driving, working equipment, or under age.

grownNraised in oregon January 7, 2012 3:20 am (Pacific time)

weed tilts every thing just enough to get threw this F*cked up world we live in couple of bong hits big glass of choclate milk some classic REN n STIMPy dont get much better for the much needed trip[ without ever having to leave the farm one random thought from this ole pot head rock on oregon represent.... o darn i laughed my ass off for no apparent reason what a crime i rest my case your honor peace out.. Larry from some where in umatilla county oregon from way back in day./////,.,.'[=-=;, always have been proud of being blessed to have been fournate enough to be raised in this leader of the pack trail blazing state so no it does not suprise me in the slightest way

CYBERKICK June 23, 2011 2:24 am (Pacific time)

WHAT THE F*CK DECRIMINILZATION, WE WANT MARIJUANA LEGALIZED! STOP PLAYING GAMES! DEAR EDITOR, DID I FUCKING ASK YOU FOR YOUR F*CKING OPINION? OH ,COME ON, THAT WAS LIGHT HEARTED ...

Editor: Are you glad you're not within my arm's reach?

Cyberkick June 22, 2011 6:14 pm (Pacific time)

I BELIEVE THERE ARE NO "GATEWAY DRUGS", JUST BAD DECISIONS, I'M FOR MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION!

billy June 2, 2011 11:29 am (Pacific time)

yeah i love acid

FATIMA April 27, 2011 6:57 pm (Pacific time)

Realist April 27, 2011 3:59 pm (Pacific time)

So, did this ever Pass?

I thought not. There is exactly ONE reason that legal pot for the masses hasn't passed and won't for many decades...

The Private Corporations that run the Prisons of the USA need their prisons full to be profitable... and 1/2 of all incarcerations are drug related.

In a country with the world's largest incarcerated population in history, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that these corporations would lobby washington witn billions of dollars every single year to keep pot illegal.

Put that in your bong and smoke it.

Editor: Right, it did not pass, but there are more on its heels, look for OCTA 2112.

CYBERKICK December 15, 2010 9:22 pm (Pacific time)

GROW WILD!

Cyberkick December 16, 2010 9:16 am (Pacific time)

I would just like to mention from the time medical marijuana was officially legal in 1998 to 2010, drunk driving arrests went down from 13,000 to 11,786.

CYBERKICK December 15, 2010 9:25 pm (Pacific time)

GROW WILD!

Cyberkick December 14, 2010 8:43 am (Pacific time)

Did you have to make fun of my name?

Editor: Come on, that was light hearted!

Cyberkick December 14, 2010 7:03 am (Pacific time)

the name Cyberkick comes from all the neat things I've seen in my life, solar eclipse of the sun, and this neat little devise called the computer, to communicate and exsplore the world!

Cyberkick December 14, 2010 6:47 am (Pacific time)

Marijuana has also been proven to stop the growth of some cancer cells, such as breast cancer, I believe it!

Cyberkick December 14, 2010 6:44 am (Pacific time)

yes, I sure did. These people have got nothing to complain about. We still have medical marijuana, the feds are still harassing these people! for what?! a big fat pay check?! Marijuana should be, and can be legalized. When they sold "Spice", that very short time, I had thought they legalized Marijuana. People didn't go running through the streets, or acting crazy, etc,. Don't know what they are afraid of. Nothing had changed. Everyone seemed more peaceful, possibly more comfortable with their country. Maybe we can even see a DECREASE in drunk driving, if and possibly when they legalize marijuana!

Editor: Looks like I misunderstood you before, thought you were in a different position with all of this....

Cyberkick December 12, 2010 12:52 pm (Pacific time)

I like how the editor defends, COOL! LEGALIZE MARIJUANA!

Editor: Glad you liked it, but did you get a genuine cyberkick out of it?

jordan September 16, 2010 2:53 pm (Pacific time)

well i honestly think that marajuana should be legalized cuz its ony right

Micheal September 9, 2010 3:27 pm (Pacific time)

we need to legalize it. it takes stress away, it dont kill brain cells. they found receptor sites in the brain that accepts it. the worries go away for a little while. everyone in the world now days needs it. i vote legalize it now!!!

Mathew Hbdon September 9, 2010 1:37 pm (Pacific time)

I have smoked marijuana since i was young and do believe i have always been in support of legalizing this for use on the streets having this accessible for me as an adult is a very good idea we need to keep our government appeased i will be behind this going through please let me know if I can be of assistance for i have many supporters who live in Salem and around Oregon alrdyded@myspace.com

Dave September 3, 2010 7:17 am (Pacific time)

Absolutely, and while we are at it, legalize everything, all drugs, meth too! That's what everyone wants, so do it, please, get it over with. Take down all the stop signs, build anything you want, anywhere you want, open the boarders and lets get this thing over with. Let everyone do what they want including murder. Legalize it, please! Then no one will have anything to yell about. Let do this thing!!!!

Editor: Dave, Murder is already legal, just ask the people of Afghanistan and Iraq. What a screwed up point of view you have, legalizing a flower God placed on this earth equates to no laws? It was only a business decision in the first place that made it illegal. You do get the Stupid Comment of the Week award.

Dan K July 12, 2010 11:23 am (Pacific time)

I wish I lived in Oregon because I would be very much in support. But I will be doing my part here in Colorado. I hope to see nation wide legalization before I die.

good for you!!! June 1, 2010 11:32 am (Pacific time)

i agree that it is one of the best ideas to stop drug wars and did you know that smoking kills 100,000 people a year drinking kills 80,000 legal meds kill 6000 illegal meds kill 5000 caffine kills 2000 and weed kills 0 people a year what is more dangerous to you guys it is used for cancer aids and about 30 diff illnesses and its used for chronic pain. it can saveour econemy easly 1 billion doolars will be saved if california legalizes it 40 to 120 billion dollars will be saved if the USA legalizes it here is obamas answer to legalizeing weed he laughs at the idea.

good for you!!! June 1, 2010 11:31 am (Pacific time)

Weeeeeeeed!!! May 30, 2010 3:16 am (Pacific time)

Legalizing marijuana would be the best step in fighting the war on drugs. It is the most commonly usd illegal substance and we risk massive lengths of time to grow it ad sell it out of the med field. It would lower crime rates. I wish it was me who thought to legalize it. Oregon's government is so smart for coming up with the idea.

Drugophobe May 30, 2010 3:08 am (Pacific time)

Hey my names drugophobe but friends call me Drugop! I think its a good idea and you should let a few of our growers out of prison too! And give me a fat blunt so we can get to work growing those pounds for the tourist. Spacecakes too, yeah!

2TALL May 25, 2010 10:44 am (Pacific time)

Well now i do say after reading these comments there are a lot of different views here and i think it is time to voice mine. I am a "minor" and I smoke marijuana and I think that there is no harm in it because when I smoke i become more productive and yes it's weird when most people get lazy when they smoke but hey i don't. now before i decide to go and make a fool of myself for saying i smoke i will say this i can't sleep at night i am a victim of abuse and i am now paranoid i used to have to take 3 sleeping pills a night to fall a sleep but now all i need to do is smoke a "personal" bowl of marijuana and i fall right to sleep when i am tired and i sleep is that bad i don't think so instead of putting chemicals my body wouldn't normally have in me i would have a natural phenomenon in my body and unlike most people with marijuana i tend to only smoke when i am trying to fall asleep. Now on the age limit i would like to see it be lowered to 18 because if we can be allowed to smoke cigarettes at 18 (which will kill you) why couldn't we smoke something that has never killed anyone and reduces pain for people who suffer from numerous painful things. now this might seem strange to some people in my eyes i find that marijuana is a blessing it has literally saved my life i before i started smoking i would not sleep for days when i say days i literally would not sleep for 3-4 days at a time and i would miss school because i couldn't function from lack of sleep. So how can a plant that saves lives be illegal well in my eyes i would say it's because are government is scared of it i think they are scared that if they legalize it they won't be able to regulate it and that it would destroy our workforce what little there is. Editor: please comment back on my views i would love to hear from the person responsible for this article comment.

Dimplez April 29, 2010 12:04 pm (Pacific time)

i think dat they should legalize Marijuana because therez a lot of people dat need it as medicine and they kant get there license....

ed March 31, 2010 3:59 pm (Pacific time)

according to the older "WWII" types, pot and heroin are one in the same, and all 60,s types were radical subversive revolutionaries--i.e. all pot smokers are treasoners--thus keeping pot illegal is maintaining patriotism...(ya)...

Stefan March 31, 2010 8:38 am (Pacific time)

well., ii think weed should be legalized because (as stated previously) it does not kill.! iit's a form of medicine and it is not addictive, does not cause cancer, ruins lungs, or ruin ppls lives., but the government just makes it harder for us to take out stress and treat our depression...weed does tht.! ii know and im onlii 16 ...

jesus.... March 23, 2010 7:16 pm (Pacific time)

cocaine comes from a natural plant ,should we legalize it ? what about physcadelic mushrooms ? natural , legalize it ? hell ,prostitution is a harmless act ,we could tax them and legalize it too ,right ? our country is always looking for the next " easy way out " . taxes...help economy...everyone kill more brain cells and be ....uuuuhhh. exactly . alcohol is legal right ? and how many millions of people die each year due to alcohol related deaths ? great ,now every low life that has a few bucks can sit on the corner and smoke weed to go along with the brown bag of gut rot liquor .wonderful ,cant wait to hear the stories the kids have to tell from the walk hopme from school . oh .lets not forget heroin ...natural ,legalize it !!!!

Editor: Wow, you don't hide your religious right leanings, you come right out and claim to be Jesus. So since I have you on the line there, you should answer that question I see posed on bumper stickers... Who would Jesus Bomb? I'm just curious. First, cocaine is a processed drug, as if everybody doesn't already know that, people aren't on the corner selling dried coca leaves. * STRIKE ONE . Mushrooms, those are already legal under some Native American religious organizations, and personally, I say more power to 'em. Prostitution? That is legal in Nevada. Women are checked regularly and have a health certification. Because they are in a legal, organized setting, dirtbags can't get away with harming them as easily, and yes you're damned right I care about that... Legal prostitution is smart, oldest profession in the world STRIKE. Taxes, yes those are what fund the United States of America. Economy, you make that sound trivial, perhaps you are a guilt ridden closet smoker, because I sure thought you had to be stoned to write that. STRIKE. Heroin? Where in the heck did that come from? You sure know how to ring the bell of Reefer Madness, might be the only education you have on the subject. Anyway, we are serious about education here and I probably won't go for an argument, so please let it go. There are tons of places for you to visit on the Internet that sport your point of view, which you are absolutely entitled to.... but you STRUCK OUT in this game.

Rick March 14, 2010 5:20 am (Pacific time)

Just wanted to show my full support of this! Not from Oregon, but I feel it is ridiculous that a wild plant is made illegal in a supposedly free country. This can be used to make paper, fuel, everything! It does wonders for people that struggle with bipolar disorder, not mentioning what it does for glaucoma! If this doesn't pass, it's because the hard-headed older generation can't accept new-found facts! Good luck to you!!!

Davidrp March 9, 2010 3:34 am (Pacific time)

Would be nice to have weed legal, sad that it's been illegal for so long. What people put in their bodies is there OWN buisness, the government should have no say so it's all about money. People you think they give a rats behind weather or not your safe from something as harmless as weed? Seriously wake up and fight back its law after law after law they come and come more so we push back and tell them NO or we keep backing up til we have NO freesom. Restraints to what we can and cannot do? in america? land of the free home of the brave? how about land of the slaves home of the corrupt. I love my country just not the people running it and have. If weed isnt legal in y years or less and alcohol and cigeretts still are I really hope more people wake up to the fucked reality we live in and the people blindly say yes weed is bad it kills brain cells its a gateway to harder drugs when its all propaganda do you people really believe that? why do people who eat unhealthy get fat? its a choice and or medical problem they have which is besides the point just an example. The amount of ignorance in a society we live in is amazing people will believe anything you throw at them its sad it really is

Truth January 7, 2010 12:21 pm (Pacific time)

Might as well stay illegal because Obama made flavored cigs illegal because kids will want to smoke. Might as will give the same reason for this. I smoke by the way. Just saying, bs reasons will stop anything from happening. Its the truth.

RSpain January 5, 2010 10:27 pm (Pacific time)

when will it actually be legal? any ideas? are we just waiting for the law to pass or for people to vote on this? sorry if i sound misinformed...

Larry Reyna December 29, 2009 7:19 pm (Pacific time)

The illegality of marijuana is against the constitution. The ONE GREAT thing that Obama has done for this country is start this movement. That's what it is, a movement. He told Fed agents to get off the prosecution of non-violent petty offenders and then the decriminalization is in effect for some states. There is just too high of a demand for this, and it's unjustifiable to indiscriminately react against all users of this weed. For those of you right wing extremists trying to keep this illegal, just ask yourself why you want it that way, and then play devil's advocate. You may think it makes you lazy yadda yadda yadda. But that's a person's prerogative. Mind your own business. It's not illegal to be homeless or unemployed. There are some people out there who'd much rather do that. If you want to make something illegal, make welfare illegal. That would make the major pot heads get a job and stop naturally.

D December 18, 2009 9:12 am (Pacific time)

Hi Editor I already figured I would get a message from you and that is alright I could go on and on but thats all it would be you/ others who justify it and me/others who don't contend to it. I just wanted to voice my opinion after all we are all entitled to it right or wrong. Some time when I get a chance I may sit down and write more. And need I say I don't feel I came to the wrong place I feel I came to the right place. If you guys can write your opinions on legalizing it hey I can write mine on why we shouldnt right! D

Editor: D, I want to know what people think and all, so of course you are welcome here, but please know that there are no "rights" when it comes to Salem-News.com comments. We don't do all of this to have people come along and undermine us on the same page, that would be very self-defeating. So, you fly it and if I see fit, I will publish it. There are no guarantees.

D December 17, 2009 7:23 pm (Pacific time)

to Manowarman legalizing marijuana isnt going to help you stop getting bummer of jobs but if you stop smoking it and do something else with your life you might find it could be the best thing for you and you could put your wasted pot energy into getting a better job and college or so

D December 17, 2009 7:15 pm (Pacific time)

Legalize it not! Im sorry obviously we can see who already does marijuana. It is illegal for a reason and it should stay illegal. Just because we are having a slow economy doesnt mean we start lowering our standards when money can well be spent on other things. People spend too much money on drugs and alcohol as it is. Believe me making it legal is only going to lead to more problems and will not keep it out of the hands of anyone even children please. To Jennifer if you studied it and understood it better not always but yes marijuana is considered a gateway drug to others. Im not saying everyone does and will but it has been shown and also from personal experiences it and alcohol is a gateway to others. And to Mike please one day I sure would hope you wouldnt want your kids to get drugs from anywhere government or off the streets how sad is that. Im sorry but been there done that moved on. There are so much more things out in the world to do than having that in the world. Believe me there are so many reasons not to legalize it but Im not going to get into every single one on here. My guess is right now most of you on here posting to legalize it is under 30 and smoking it. Not saying there aren't those few that are older smoking it and havent figured it out. There will hopefully come a time in your life you will see there are other things to spend time and money on. Or hey not spend money on something that causes issues anyways. Im sure this will probably upset most of you and you know what good cause if I am going to cause a stir it's going to be something worth stirring about. Thanks

Editor: Marijuana is illegal because of propaganda generated by the Hearst Newspaper group in the 1920's and 1930's that was financed mostly through Dow and Dupont, two of the nation's most irresponsible "brown sky" polluters who have poisoned water and air for decades. The cannabis or marijuana plant is the single most useful plant on the planet, useful for everything from medicine to food to clothing to fuel for your car. There is not a single recorded death from marijuana in all of history. It is true that some people abuse anything they get their hands on and there is no reason to expect a difference with marijuana, but it is a serious wonder drug in terms of medicine and the outdated law, based entirely on fear, not on science, has prevented doctors from really learning the full value of this plant. It is now legal in numerous U.S. states, 13 at last count, and soon Oregon and other states will have legal industrial hemp also. People like 'D' will come along and try very hard to change the facts, but they are what they are. People who use marijuana illegally do so because of the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act. It was brought forth by a politician named Harry Anslinger and he has become an absolute joke in popular history. This is the guy who told people that marijuana smokers turned murderous and became killers. We're talking about Reefer Madness, the movie that brought all of those stereotypes to life. You see D, people die every day as a result of alcoholism, men beat their wives and children in drunkenness, this is very rare with marijuana, it is totally different. Marijuana's intoxication factor is very minor next to alcohol ot drugs and it is natural. In the greater picture, it really is insane that the nation spends billions of dollars going after a natural plant that is only placed here by God to help people. Sorry D, you came to the wrong place.

Wandering Bear December 12, 2009 9:53 pm (Pacific time)

Awesome Im doing my part for it on my website at http://www.hippieland.net

wow November 26, 2009 11:34 am (Pacific time)

you guys are all a bunch of worthless stoners and half of you can barely even SPELL the word stoner...ok so weed should be legalized we have all heard the arguments a million times just like anything else if you do it too much, its bad for you and i can tell a lot of you do it waayy too much

(Editor) Tim King: Actually, you couldn't be more off track. There are writers on our team who use marijuana legally for medical purposes, but not everyone. So thanks for the misspelled bout of irrational entertainment. I checked this and didn't see any technical problems. Welcome to the world you live in pal.

HappyMike November 2, 2009 6:18 pm (Pacific time)

Legalize it!!!!!

Taydoom October 24, 2009 12:16 am (Pacific time)

I want a person opposed to this to give me just one good and TRUE reason why legalization of this plant should not happen.

JOKER October 5, 2009 10:21 am (Pacific time)

I THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD THING TO LEGALIZE BECAUSE IT WOULD BE SO MANY LESS CRIMES ON JUVEVINILES AND IT WOULD MAKE THE ECONONOMY A MUCH BETTER AND SAFER PLACE

Farmer September 29, 2009 5:45 pm (Pacific time)

i live in a agricultural area on the oregon idaho border. im worried because this county will be growing most of the marijuana. being so close to the idaho border how will the government prevent idaho residents from coming into our fields and stealing our crops, or persons under the age of 21 from stealing from our fields. we live in a community made up from small towns and our police force here is not ready to handel protrolling vast amounts of farm land. there just would not be enough officers to do it.

smoker September 21, 2009 12:08 am (Pacific time)

i think that weed should be legalize cuz not only it will help help cops stop busting people from smoking weed it will help cops do there real job like busting people that are robing and killing they are all ways busting people smoking any hardly busting people killing and robing. o and by taxing it it would make some money to help out in schools and fixing up city's a bit. im only 17 and i would love weed to be legalize it would help out the US believe me

mike September 11, 2009 12:20 am (Pacific time)

First off I agree that marijuana should be legal for industrial AND personal use. There should be an 18 year old limit and the distribution should be pharmacies. This WILL NOT stop underage consumption (look at alcohol and tobacco) but it will stop importing from other countries and states which will boost oregon jobs and net profits. Everyone who says marijuana is a gateway drug is not entirely wrong but they have to realize it is not marijuana but any drug a person does can lead to harder drugs, but that is a personal decision if you are looking for a better high then you are a druggie and it will not matter if you start drinking or doing heroin you will always look for that ultimate high. bottom line IF YOU CANT HANDLE IT DONT SMOKE IT YOU MORONS.

David July 29, 2009 10:25 am (Pacific time)

Home invasion needs to stop!

Daveed July 29, 2009 10:23 am (Pacific time)

My home was invaded yesterday by the local law enforcement. I live in Independence, Oregon, near Salem. I lost over $400 worth of glass and materials. This needs to stop. My privacy and my rights were violated and I was threatened to be locked up for a victimless action that, even if it was harmful, would only be detrimental to myself. Please, people. Take a stand and become active. Look up OCTA (Oregon Cannabis Tax Act) as well as MarijuanaConversation.com and start playing an active role in the future of marijuana law reformation. -David-

Andrew July 23, 2009 10:54 am (Pacific time)

Fight the good fight i know there are well over 83000 registered voters in oregon that would be more than happy to sign for this to pass nobody in their right mind can dispute the subject that marijuana is a 100 times better for you than alcohol, tobacco, pescribtion drugs, even caffine which are all legal items in the u.s. oregon is the best place on earth to live beautiful area, wonderful people, and we are probably the 2nd highest state on the front line of the the war of cannibus rally your troops and lets get this thing passed and be done with the stupidity once and for all. Fight the good fight. Solar panels, hybrids and marijuana ...GO GREEN!!

manowarman July 13, 2009 2:31 pm (Pacific time)

Legalize,so I dont have to keep getting bumb jobs!

Anonymous July 12, 2009 2:51 am (Pacific time)

i am not a weed expert or any thing but if it was legal life wood be beta. like i need it cuz i have a braindisorder but just ppl cant abuse it. and every thing will be good.

kenny hayden. July 8, 2009 4:36 pm (Pacific time)

weed is the best thing that has ever hapend to meni love it.well if you think about it everyone smokes weed,because it makes everythig better food is better sex is better sleep,T.V,sports,music,games,walking,running,cleaning,and it even makes LIFE better

katrina July 3, 2009 11:49 am (Pacific time)

we have to start somewhere.. and lets make it legal on the westcoast....

John July 3, 2009 5:10 am (Pacific time)

Only when marijuana becomes legal in all 50 states will we stop giving the drug cartels and gangsters billions of americas dollers every year.

anonymous June 26, 2009 5:35 pm (Pacific time)

It is such a great idea that if legalizing it would provide a boost to our economy and put people to work for green jobs. The only downside I could think of, even I disagree with myself, but in reality it is such a great form of medicine that if it were to become legal kids and teens will have more access to it; thus creating a situation where future generations will be affected in a negative way.

Ashley June 20, 2009 4:28 pm (Pacific time)

I don't see why they don't just have it to where people 18 and older can purchase pot if they do legalize. I mean because most people by the time they hit their mid-twenties they stop smoking pot, what kind of profit is that? More younger people smoke than older people. It would be stupid to have it legalized for people only 21 and older. Sounds a little ridiculous honestly. I think they should legalize though, just change the age limit. I think you should be able to buy pot legally if you can get tobacco legally at the age of 18. If you think about it, tobacco does more damage to your body then pot does. I'm just saying, all in all, they'd be downright idiotic to make for 21 and older only.

fernando June 19, 2009 11:35 pm (Pacific time)

you cant take away nature and not expect a fight it is oure god given right to what god made on earth and for us to tell people not to touch what he created for us is a crime higher than that of our govenment

James June 13, 2009 2:33 pm (Pacific time)

Daniel, your right. The legalization of marijuana and its availability in liquor stores wont entirely prevent underage children from using the substance, but, like tobacco or alcohol, it will be harder to receive unless your over the designated age. Drug dealers will still be around to distribute marijuana to minors but they will have a much more limited supply of customers. The benefits of marijuana legalization are obvious. Unfortunately our society has trained us to believe that all drugs are horrible. Since we were in school we have been shown the "worst case scenarios" of drug use and brainwashed to believe what the government wants us to. It is sad to see that we are now unable to think for ourselves, because I know hundreds of people that have benefited from their recreational marijuana use. None of which have allowed the substance to catalyze a significant deteriorative alteration in their lifestyles. Furthermore, I have smoked marijuana for many years and it wasn't until I started smoking cigarettes that I noticed a change to my physical health.

Jennifer June 1, 2009 11:13 pm (Pacific time)

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF HEARING OVER AND OVER HOW MARIJUANA IS "THE GATE WAY DRUG" OBVIOUSLY A STATMENT MADE BY IGNORANT MINDS!!!!! DO YOUR RE SEARCH...MARIJUANA IS NOT THE GATEWAY..ALCOHOL IS!!! THE MEDICINAL VALUE OF MJ IS PRICELESS..WE HAVE NO PROBLEM TAKING PERSCRIBED MEDICATIONS WITH 500 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDING DEATH FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS RANGING FROM HEART BURN TO CRONIC PAIN CAUSED BY FIBROYMIAGIA, WHY DO WE SO READILY ACCEPT PHARMACUTICALS THAT CAUSE LIVER AND KIDNEY DAMAGE? BECAUSE OMG IT IS FDA APPROVED AND LEGAL IF PERSCRIBED. IT IS IGNORANCE THAT KEEPS MARIJUANA FROM BEING LEGALIZED, THAT AND THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THE DRUG COMPANIES WOULD LOSE IF IT WAS LEGALIZED. GO OREGON IT IS ABOUT TIME!

420lover May 18, 2009 9:00 am (Pacific time)

i believe that weed should be legal it does help people out i have depression and it helps me out alot

kimiko May 15, 2009 11:21 am (Pacific time)

hell ya this rocks

Joe Wilson May 9, 2009 7:55 pm (Pacific time)

Not only is the synthetic drug marinol a prime example that government knows that marijuana has benifits to ones health it's patent is up in 2011,the FDA have given professor ElSohly of mississipi a fedral license to exclusively produce marijuana for the pharmaceutical company Mallinckrodt, a subsidiary of Tyco International.. his arrangement appears to be for the purpose of bringing to market a generic form of Marinol. All of this going on whall the general public is told that Marijuana has not health benifits.. It would be nice if these agencies such as the FDA and DEA had the transparency that they are suppose to have under the Data Quality Act set forth by President Obama.. I believe we the people should know all the scientific research information and the methods they went about to get that information that they claim to have done research on, so we can come to a conclusion that they are doing their job right and fully for the benifit of the general public and not lining their own wallets with billions of dollars of the tax payers hard earned money. Not only are they lining their own wallets with the tax payers money through Big Pharm. But hundereds of thousands of people are going to jail every year, losing their jobs. children. education, having more trouble getting a job etc at tax payers expense.. It really does add up to too much money, so when I hear Obama say it wont benifit the economy to uplift the ban on marijuana, I have to make a smirk, think of the DEA and FDA getting rich, whall thousands die every year and hundreds end up losing everythin in their life and possibly spending years in jail over something they already know is okay for the general public... I call for transparency in the FDA and DEA and an end to the Prohibition On Marijuana.. which the mexican czars get 3/4 of their income from..

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Hap March 29, 2009 12:44 am (Pacific time)

Marijuana never should have been prohibited in the first place. All federal drug laws should be repealed. It's up to the states to tax it. But no government has legal power to regulate morality. Only the individual has authority over what he puts into his own body.

Amanda March 24, 2009 11:51 pm (Pacific time)

Hi. I have used Marijuana many times in my life. I now use it when i have a break from school or special events. I can walk away from it at any time. This is my first point: many Oregonians can personally use this intoxicant for responsible personal use. Therefore, i support the age of 21. Also, if it comes from the government or farmers you would not have to worry about what the Marijuana has been laced with. You would know exactly where the pot you are about to smoke came from and you could safely use it. I would also like to point out the equation is simple. Legalizing Marijuana would not only let our law enforcement state wide deal with the more violent hateful crimes but, our legal system would also be freed of the pot smokers and distributors. This would allow for our public offenders PO's and lawyers to divert their energies to issues and people who really need it. But, again this has nothing to do with the wonders it could do for our justice systems. It comes down to money. This act could single handedley take America out of debt. It would also impact the pharmacies. Potentially prescriptions, food, taxes, hemp based products, and this would provide thousands of JOBS. People are losing their homes. I feel that Oregonians are starting to remember what hard work is. Considering, I see every night on the news how people are willing to scrub houses, mow lawns, work at fast food joint just to make ends meet. I am sure many Oregonian would love to work in Hemp field to keep their homes, cars, or food on their tables during this economic down turn. MONEY...PEOPLE...SAFTEY.. that is what legalizing Marijuana will do for Oregon.

Smily March 17, 2009 9:19 pm (Pacific time)

Also, i think a revolution is coming.

Smily March 17, 2009 4:21 pm (Pacific time)

Ya this is the best idea ever but would it be inforced with pregnancies?

Daniel March 15, 2009 2:39 pm (Pacific time)

Mike if your kids are under 21 they will still be buying from the local dealer who will buy it from the liquor store . Oregon will also be flooded by want to be grower from all over this country and Mexico , growing to export to the rest of the USA . Mike look at northern California its becoming over run by growers from Mexico and US gang members . A nation policy solves this problem , a state only policy does not . The proposed bill has many good parts to it, but too many holes to make it workable .

Mike March 14, 2009 3:46 pm (Pacific time)

so.....i would enjoy this because i would rather have my kids get weed from the government. then streetkids who will sell to you then turn around kisk your ass an take everything. i think it would have the crime rate drop derasctally

Daniel March 14, 2009 1:04 pm (Pacific time)

Oregon is a Marijuana exporting state , this plan will only increase the illegal production for export . The local dealer will concentrate there sales to those under 21 . The state will be flooded by US and foreign gangs like northern California has been, growing for export on private and government lands . The only reasonable policy is national decriminalization , this takes away the profit motive . Who do you export it too if everybody can grow it . Oregon should start with decriminalization for those over 18 , those under give a ticket like underage drinking . Industrial production is useless if you do not have nation legalization for distribution . The big problem with industrial production is its very labor intensive . When industrial use is finally legalized we will be importing it from China because of labor costs , like most of the cotton products . I saw a eco future magazine last week and on the cover they had an ECO village , it looked cool except for the people standing in water all day planting rice . Please tell me where these people are from, i have never run across anyone in Oregon that wants to work in a rice patty all day . The pot growers work hard producing there product because they make lots of money . Producing hemp industrially is hard work and requires a large investment in expensive decorticating machines and much much smaller profits . Oregon has to import workers to harvest crops , where will all the hard working hemp workers come from ? Hemp needs to be legal for industrial and recreational use nation wide , the Oregon plan is not the answer .

Daniel March 13, 2009 1:14 pm (Pacific time)

I believe it should be legal , but i dont think selling it in liquor stores is a good idea . Compassion centers or drug stores would be preferable . Selling it with liquor may encourage the use of alcohol with pot . Putting control under the state liquor commission is a poor idea . If its legal the farmer should be able to sell it like any other crop . Its crazy to think if you only sell it to those over 21 , that those under will stop using it . How often does someone over 21 buy booze for there underage friends ? The fact is there are many teens who smoke it and they will not stop because its legal for those only over 21 ! This makes a large black market to sell to . Will the state also limit the potency of the ganja , this plan has too many holes .

Ryan March 12, 2009 5:24 pm (Pacific time)

People like Walt Brewster is what is wrong with this country. He said he was 11 when he started smoking marijuana and at 12 he was doing harder drugs. How much you want to bet if marijuana wasn't even around he still would've been doing harder drugs. He was destined to be a foul up. Obviously he needed a better role model in his life. But just because you were horrible in your youth, doesn't mean everyone's going to do the same thing. At 12 I was concentrating on playing football. People like him is why we have a problem trying to get this legalized. He gives marijuana smokers a black eye. I go to work everyday, I pay my bills on time, I've never been to jail, I've never commited any serious crimes, and yet I'm a marijuana smoker. Wow amazing how that happened, right! No, not everyone who smokes marijuana is a criminal. Marijuana should have the same treatment as alcohol. I totally agree with the age group. 21 is a good age to bring this out. Just want to say thank you Oregon for showing this country what possibilities can be. If you need someone to sign a petition feel free to let me know.

snocap March 12, 2009 5:02 pm (Pacific time)

Walt Brewster sucks rooster... Just because you don't have enough brain cells to support toking and living a normal life doesn't mean EVERYONE CAN'T HANDLE IT... I think the people have spoken...and we want legalization and the government to stop locking up non-violent people.Once we can grow a few plants in the back yard, there will be little need for these mexican drug cartels...black market gone...problem solved. We want back our right to grow a god given plant....

coldwaterdream March 12, 2009 2:27 pm (Pacific time)

Im from Seaside Oregon,lets past this law we need it,i no oregon can grow

B real! March 12, 2009 1:48 pm (Pacific time)

I love weed. It makes life more enjoyable. I smoke everyday and go to work high I dont take cig breaks I take weed breaks. I have never been more productive

Coy March 12, 2009 1:35 pm (Pacific time)

1.Is Marijuana Addictive? "NO" 2.Does it Kill Brain Cells?"NO" 3.Smokers cough? Cancer? "NO" 4.permanent illness? "NO" 5.Gateway Drug? "NO" Relize Category: Life "Think About This" Marijuana does It Scare You? Does It Change Your perspective Of People? Does It? Does It Harm You? Hmm.. "Lets See" Don't Believe the news and Government about gods gift to us... "Lies" "Watch The Full Documentary Below" Before I Get Started.. People think they know About weed? well they don't before you go around thinking you know what pot does to You Do some research please. 1.Is Marijuana Addictive? "NO" 2.Does it Kill Your Brain Cells? "NO" 3.Smokers cough? Cancer? "NO" 4.permanent illness? "NO" 5.Gateway Drug? "NO" Total Deaths In 2000 [Tobacco] 435,000 [Alcohol] 85,000 And [Marijuana] 0.... This is ridiculous; by keeping marijuana prohibition up it strengthens organized crime, which keeps the Feds earning big bucks. But if legalized and taxed estimated to 14 billion would be earned a year (the union) so if prohibition doesn’t work then why waste money, time, Jail space, and all the thousands of jobs that could be created if cannabis and hemp were to be legalized? But marijuana still stays illegal today, why is this? That is a very good question that still has not yet been clearly answered... Legalize this Wonderful plant that could gain such a enormous revenue And stop arresting Responsible cannabis users. "peace and pot"

walt Brewster March 12, 2009 7:56 am (Pacific time)

I was arested in 1971 for posession of pot.If this law passes do I get back 2 years of my life or at least a big check.
Sorry but I think this law and med. cards is a big mistake. I know smoking pot makes some people smarter but thats just becouse they didnt have any brain cells to start with and after they come down they are real dumb.
Yes I smoked pot for years then I got off the couch and got a job and quit trying to find ways to get everyone who works for a living to pay for my checks of dissability payments.When the disability I had wasd getting stoned. Incredibly when i quit getting stoned I got better and even felt like working.
Listen I started pot at 11 and went to harder drugs by 12. Then on the front page of the Statesman at 39 I had quit. I'm 56 now and feel alot smarter than being loaded. We don't need a bunch of stoned mindless people in this world we already have senators and represinitives to fill those places in life

Robs February 28, 2009 8:24 am (Pacific time)

I no longer live in Oregon. but I was born and rased there. I have moved to Arizona. I fit in better here. but weed just is not looked at the same here. Its even a felony. Hippys are not the only people who smoke. every one smokes. yes even cowboys. you luky people.im jelus. AZ is so far behind. Pray for AZ. Hell move here and bring that mentality. if we get AZ a legal pot smoking state we can get them all.

Matt Dallas February 22, 2009 10:28 am (Pacific time)

Please watch Kevin Booths documentry "American Drug War". Best education on above topic avaliable period. And yes this entire thread is heading in the right direction. The argument for legalization of Marijuana has to be centered around how the governments can make money, not that it is less harmful than other drugs. If the government gave a crap about what harms a whole lot more stuff would be illegal. This entire issue is centered aroung money. The largest contributors to "A Partnership for Drug Free America" are pharmacutical, alcohol and tobbaco companies. One group of Drug dealers using power, money and influence to keep down rival drug dealers. It is time for the will of the people to come forward. I think we can all see what happens when privliged few are allowed to run things. Please do what you can to help take our country back. Get involved. Let your state congressman know how you feel. Write, e-mail, text, demonstrate do whatever you can we are on the fringe of change. It is up to us.

Dunn Eggink February 17, 2009 1:28 pm (Pacific time)

Here in the United States we have a Constitution to define the responsibilities of government, which basically fall within the bounderies of what is best for the general well being of the public. There is no more time for fussing around about who's smoking pot. The economy's gone to pot and we've got to stop the nonsense. Legalizing hemp and the notorious cannabis flowers would greatly improve the effectiveness and accountability of government. It's not a cure all but the government could use the huge cut in spending that would come with the end of prohibition. The end of cannabis prohibition would drastically improve the efficiency of our judicial system. Many billions of dollars a year are spent on a law enforcement sheme with very minimal public benefit. While keeping the pot illegal does give the government an excuse to keep a close eye on hippies and shady characters, it isn't worth it to have all that money and time getting spent chasing some nuisance characters when the state is already overloaded with public programs. The drug war doesn't work and therefore makes a mockery of our highly capable law enforcement agencies.There are too many ways that our brave police officers can find themselves caught up in borderline criminal activities while spending time policing the drug world, distracted from their real duties. We believe that if you turn drug use into a private personal issue, instead of a state issue, the black market dealers will loose the thrust of their power and all that money they've been making would be in back in the legitimate markets. Let's just focus on real crimes which pose a provable threat to public safety, like gang violence, professional thieving and sexual predators. While pot smoking is notoriously controvercial among Conservatives, it doesn't deserve our attention as a primary issue in this critical time of trial and tribulation. There's no sense in sending out the swat teams for an herb that's no more mind altering than common cold medicines and is not killing anyone.

kyle February 15, 2009 10:49 pm (Pacific time)

I believe america needs weed!! I am a firm believer in marijuana...

NUTTY MUT February 15, 2009 3:15 pm (Pacific time)

IF THEY LEAGALIZE POT I WILL MOVE TO OREGON. AND MY BUISNESS TO WILL HAVE AT LEAST 6 POSITIONS FOR EMPLOYEES TO START. NO MY BUISNESS ISN'T CULTIVATING. I CREATE IN HOME/OFFICE VIVARIUMS.

Andrew February 9, 2009 9:48 pm (Pacific time)

All I can say is thank God that people who believe in legalization are the majority of this country, and that everyone is finally pissed off enough about this unjust law and the lies that our own government used to promote the prohibition of Marijuana from the get go that things are starting to actually change. Join the Million Marijuana March, see you at the White House!!!

Peter February 8, 2009 10:56 pm (Pacific time)

Help people get off the streets and get jobs while we all get messed up and happy :)

Salmon Creek February 7, 2009 11:20 pm (Pacific time)

It has it's pro's and cons... If I can grow it, I will be happy as s*%t... If not, I hope it doesnt pass!!! Cus goddamnit I can get it else where and the liquor store aint going to sell no s*%t that I will want. I promise you. When it comes to my greens, I only want the finest!

Sunshine January 29, 2009 12:01 am (Pacific time)

Also I agree with nestor, the age limit should be 18. If you can buy cigarettes then we should be able to buy weed :]

Sunshine January 29, 2009 12:00 am (Pacific time)

I live in Eugene, OR and I'd LOVE to see weed legalized. Honestly it's about the BEST drug FOR YOU out there. Most everything else can kill you. Not downing other drugs just upping weed ;] Let's hope it goes through :]]]

oregon420 January 18, 2009 4:54 pm (Pacific time)

im from oregon i dont see y we wont be the first to legalize we had the first medical plan

Reggie January 8, 2009 5:56 pm (Pacific time)

Yes Oregon please set the stage for the USA. When Oregon pass this law my family would love to move to your state.

chugz January 5, 2009 11:39 am (Pacific time)

Im moving there if it happens,ive only smoked 2 times since april and i am 45 now,started when i was a gay suicidal teen at 15 and pot saved my life,i miss it,i need it for anxiety and to relax my muscles and nerves but am in a new town where i dont know anyone and do NOT drink or go to bars,so i have no hookup.it is like a medicine to me and the stress i go through is making my chest hurt,i need to relax,and cannot without it

hewed0 January 1, 2009 9:37 pm (Pacific time)

Just like moonshine it is all about the tax money.

Grapehis December 17, 2008 11:44 am (Pacific time)

my grandma SMOKES pot

Jesus December 12, 2008 10:13 am (Pacific time)

Dieties for pot.

Nestor November 11, 2008 10:06 am (Pacific time)

not just states but countries should legalize cannabis. 21 is too long, you make it seem bigger than what it is. 18 or 19 should feel free to make there own choices, and to smoke the herbal medicine for relaxation of the mind, and the enlightenment of freedom.

Nick September 17, 2008 9:05 am (Pacific time)

All i have to say is.......I,m moving to Oregon!!!

Joe September 16, 2008 4:25 pm (Pacific time)

This would be a blessing. How many people a year die from alcohol related crimes, or health problems? Our government has no problem leaving alcohol legal, and it kills, and carries no medical purpose. Marijuana is not only a renewable resource, its medical purposes are also growing. Sure its also used at home for personal enjoyment, I'm not sure the last time i saw a pot smoker go on a rampage.. more like loose motive to do much of anything. Marijuana related crimes all deal with the fact that its illegal and many people illegally distribute it, that's our current problem with Marijuana. LEGALIZE IT!

Jeremy August 21, 2008 3:35 pm (Pacific time)

I was arrested in 1992 for growing weed..I think this is a great ideal it would boost the ecomny.

James August 16, 2008 4:32 am (Pacific time)

Just remember, evolution is slow and We need relief now. More mature thinking is the rational answer.Pray for the passing of this bill,cause I'm down to seeds and stems again.

Derek August 14, 2008 10:55 pm (Pacific time)

Marijuana has been illigal for years because they dont know how to tax it, if this happens the government will make bank and the country will be much better economicly

SHANE T August 14, 2008 10:48 pm (Pacific time)

hey i think this is one of the best ideas the us have came up with they shouldant be able to tell us not to smoke a herb thats here for a reason an smoking its the best. we just shouldn't let them tell us how to live

Patriot420 July 27, 2008 10:31 am (Pacific time)

If nothing else, this will bring the issue of cannanis legalization into the arena of public discussion. The tide has been turning for a long time. The public is ready for re-legalization, now. Groups who are out of touch with the voting public (Press Agencies and Pols.) will think it's a sudden change in public opinion. Prohibitionist's hate the fact that the war on cannabis is a complete failure. Alcohol prohibition and repeal, all over again. Some people never learn from our country's historical mistakes. I'm sending a donation right away.

Austin July 24, 2008 9:13 pm (Pacific time)

This will definitely stimulate the economy......AND I'm high right now.

Adam July 17, 2008 9:46 am (Pacific time)

Only criminals and crooked politicians want Hemp to stay illegal. Legal or not I take Marijuana Muscle Hemp Protein every day for my health.

Timothy July 11, 2008 6:34 pm (Pacific time)

We need something to give our economy a boost and this could easly be the way. A larg part of our country already uses Marijuana daily so why not help it to pay some of the debt

Catie July 12, 2008 6:33 am (Pacific time)

YES!! Hippy town will for sure be happy! =) Such a great idea. I'm not a fan of pot myself, but I fully believe it should be legalized.

Timothy July 11, 2008 6:35 pm (Pacific time)

We need something to give our economy a boost and this could easly be the way. A larg part of our country already uses Marijuana daily so why not help it to pay some of the debt

Timothy July 11, 2008 6:35 pm (Pacific time)

We need something to give our economy a boost and this could easly be the way. A larg part of our country already uses Marijuana daily so why not help it to pay some of the debt

Phil E. Drifter July 11, 2008 3:27 pm (Pacific time)

drug laws=racism. These drugs no doubt co-evolved with us, they've been around just as long as humanity. tinyurl.com/1mn The feds outlawed pot to recover the slavery lost when the N won the civil war.

James July 10, 2008 7:14 pm (Pacific time)

This is a great idea. Hopefully it will pass and other states will follow Oregon's foot steps, eventually pressuring the national govt. to legalize marijuana.

Shirlean July 9, 2008 11:52 am (Pacific time)

It's about time the government decides to get tax money from marijuana because soon pharmaceutical companies will find a way to corner the market and everyone will lose except them.

Dallas July 9, 2008 10:35 am (Pacific time)

I believe this is long over due. In no time, other states will follow our foot steps. Oregon sets the stage for property tax relief at the expense of the dealer. I like it! Let's do this!

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New Law Would Legalize Marijuana in Oregon

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