Why We Should Be Talking About Marijuana
on Monday, 20 July 2015. Posted in Criminal
Most people do not realize why marijuana is illegal. Most people assume that it has always been illegal because it is a drug, and drugs are “bad”. It is well documented that starting in 1932, the Federal Government took part in (as well as helped orchestrate) a mass hysteria campaign against the Medical Marijuana plant. It was labeled the “Assassin of our Youth”.
The Gore File
Our nation’s first Drug Czar, Harry J. Anslinger, ordered his field agents to start the collection of what has now become known as “The Gore File”. This file is a contrived composition of case after case of the worst criminal acts imaginable. Most of these “cases” have since been proven completely manufactured or significantly embellished, at best.
An Economic Issue
Some people now say that the States’ willingness to jump on board with the Federal Government’s hysteria campaign was motivated by greed. Shocker. You see, the more “drug addicts” they could produce, the more federal funds, earmarked for drug addiction related issues, they would qualify to receive.
Some states did not have enough hardcore drug addicts committing crimes to offset depleting State resources, so they had to find a way to add to the drug addicted population within their State’s border. Lumping marijuana smokers in with heroin and cocaine addicts ensured that the federal subsidy they received to fight their “drug problem” was sizeable.
A Need for Law Reform
The problem is that the antiquated laws resulting from Anslinger’s mass hysteria campaign are still on the books today, contributing to the unnecessary overpopulation of jails and prisons and a waste of taxpayer’s money.
A single marijuana possession charge, less than 20 grams, can handcuff a person, who has an otherwise unblemished record, and brand him as a criminal for the rest of his life. Thankfully, our local community is looking at ways to help alleviate this burden. (See the link below.)
Our friends down south have made significant progress. Miami-Dade commissioners have implemented a county ordinance that allows law enforcement to issue civil citations for small amounts of pot, rather than make an arrest.
Locally, Commissioner Lee Pinkoson has submitted a motion for staff to research the option of duplicating Miami’s efforts. It is one small step towards much needed reform.
You Can Help
Only the community can help change the laws. Be a part of the solution! Change in the law has to come through the commission or a legislative action. Get involved.
We are here if you need us! The Sooner You Call, the Sooner We Fight! 352-639-4117
http://www.wcjb.com/local-news/2015/07/alachua-county-pot-ordinance-could-become-reality
