Despite shameful scare tactics and outright lies by opponents, Massachusetts and Michigan voters sent a signal to the new administration on Tuesday that it’s time for this country to take a hard look at our current marijuana policies.
Massachusetts voters approved a marijuana decriminalization initiative by a 65 percent to 35 percent margin, Michigan voters enacted the nation’s 13th medical marijuana law by a 63 percent to 37 percent margin, and at least nine local reform measures were approved by voters in communities across the county, including Hawaii and Arkansas .
In Massachusetts, criminal penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana will be replaced by a fine of $100, similar to a speeding ticket.
In Michigan, patients with serious diseases like HIV/AIDS, cancer, and multiple sclerosis will no longer have to fear arrest if they use marijuana pursuant to the recommendation of a doctor and have a state-issued I.D. card. One in four Americans now live in a state with such protections.
President-elect Barack Obama has said he would end federal raids on patients and caregivers obeying state medical marijuana laws.
Missouri legislators should take note and pass a medical marijuana law next session.
Kelly Maddy, president, Joplin NORML
Joplin
