subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite map
Sat, Nov 07 2009 

Resources

print this story   Print this story
email this story   E-mail this story
  Post to del.icio.us

Photos


Globe/T. Rob Brown Kelly Maddy, president of the Joplin chapter of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), holds up a gold coin to be raffled off today at the 10th annual Cannabis Revival in Joplin. The festival this year also will serve as a backdrop for the kickoff of a petition drive aimed at decriminalizing in Joplin small amounts of marijuana.


John Evens, Joplin “The laws are a lot more liberal about this out in California, and I am from there, so I would probably vote for it, although I don’t think it has a chance in hell of passing.”


Frank Jacobs, Joplin “I would vote ‘no.’ It is illegal, I would vote ‘no’ on it absolutely.”


Patti McCammon, Noel “Actually it is not that I wouldn’t be for it, but there is such a crime wave in Joplin and the police can’t seem to get in touch with what’s going on, so I would probably vote against it.”


Ron Sampson, Joplin “I have thought about it. It’s a tough question to answer. I know there are medical advantages toward whatever marijuana does for you, but there are many more disadvantages. It should be prescribed by a physician like other narcotics are.”


Ashley Smith, Joplin “I know a lot of people who do it and I don’t see the point in it, so I wouldn’t be for it if it was just a blanket thing. If a person needed medical marijuana, then I would be for it.”


Meigan Woods, Joplin “I don’t see why you would need to be carrying a small amount of marijuana. I would probably vote against that. It would probably lead to people just wanting more. Apparently it is addictive.”

Published September 21, 2007 07:06 pm - Kelly Maddy, president of the Joplin chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, took a deep breath on Friday and started his fight.

Initiative petition aims to decriminalize marijuana



By Dave Woods

dwoods@joplinglobe.com

Kelly Maddy, president of the Joplin chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, took a deep breath on Friday and started his fight.

Joplin’s City Hall was chosen as the starting point of a year-long battle to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in Joplin and the paraphernalia that’s used to smoke it.

“We are here today to introduce an opportunity for the citizens of Joplin to enact a more sensible marijuana policy,” he announced.

Maddy was flanked by Kris Krane, the executive director of national organization, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and Ryan Denham, president of the Alliance for Drug Reform Policy in Arkansas.

“Over 200 people were arrested in 2005 for marijuana in Joplin,” he said “This is a waste of police resources that could otherwise be allocated to more serious crime. Our city’s marijuana laws are not only a waste of taxpayer money and police resources, they are by definition a failed policy.”

The Sensible Sentencing Initiative, as proposed by Maddy and Joplin NORML, would, if endorsed by a majority of Joplin voters in November 2008, make possession of a misdemeanor amount of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia an administrative offense.

The petition also makes clear that adults arrested for simple possession of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia would not be jailed or have to post bond. Those found guilty of the infraction in municipal court would be subject to a $250 maximum fine.

Under current law, those arrested and convicted of marijuana possession or possession of paraphernalia within the city of Joplin are subject to a $500 fine and/or 100 days or less in jail based on the judge’s discretion at sentencing.

Possession cases are currently not referred to the county prosecutor unless the amount of marijuana possessed is 35 grams or more making it a felony offense, according to Cpl. Chuck Niess, the Joplin Police Department’s assistant public information officer.

For R. Lewis Phillips, 69, of Joplin, the idea of decriminalizing marijuana is a non-issue.

“No, not even ... no way would I support that,” said Phillips.

“It’s (marijuana) a drug. I don’t approve of drugs at all. Marijuana, cocaine ... they are all the same. I don’t think medical marijuana is the answer either. Once you open that can of worms, there is no end to it,” he said.

Phillips’ views on decriminalization were not shared by Travis Morgan. The 31-year-old Joplin resident said that he could see the possible benefit of the measure.



print this story    email this story    comment on this story   

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.


Add a comment on this story







autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
: Special Offer For New Subscribers : 32 buy 1 get 1 free offers

Click Here!



Featured Jobs

3 BOOTH RENTALS
small salon atmosphere, lots of exposure, 15th/Main. 417-529-8646...>MORE

TELLER
Local credit union has opening for part time teller 25-35 hours per week, experience preferred. Apply in person Joplin M...>MORE

MEMBER SERVICES ASSOCIATES
The Freeman Southwest Family YMCA in Neosho, MO has two openings for
Member Services Associates.
These part-t
...>MORE

PHONE SALES
Now hiring part time for data entry and phone sales. 20 hour/week. Apply in person at 4710 E 32nd Street. Joplin....>MORE

3RD PARTY LOGISTICS COMPANY

Looking for sales people with transportation sales experience, also broker agents. Please send resume to P.O. Box
...>MORE

HAIR STYLIST
for Carthage salon.
417-388-2074.
...>MORE

SALES
NYSE and Co., opening a new division. Will train. Looking for full-time or part-time. Call Mike, (417)448-4732....>MORE

ATTENTION OWNER OPERATORS
we are now leasing on trucks. Call Susan at 888-379-9432 ext 102 for details. ...>MORE

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Work along side and direct physically and mentally challenged adults in a work setting. Starts $8.00-$10.00 per hour. Co...>MORE

TRUCK BROKERS
TRUCK BROKERS LANGE LOGISTICS, INC., a 3PL company seeks Account Managers in Joplin. Openings also in Dallas, Nashville ...>MORE

See all ads

Featured Transportation

2008 HONDA RUCKUS
black, low mileage, $1500. 918-961-8995....>MORE

2005 HONDA PILOT EXL-DVD
4 door, 4x4, red with tan leather, 8 passenger, 89,000 miles, new tires, $14,500. (918)961-8995....>MORE

1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
2 door, spoiler, automatic, cold air, CD, extra nice, $2400. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE

2001 FORD WINDSTAR
Super sharp, loaded, cold air front and rear, extra clean, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE

1999 DODGE NEON
5 speed, air, 92,000 miles. 417-529-4420 or 417-781-8907....>MORE

1990 FREIGHLINER CAB OVER
set back axle, 400 Cummins, 9 speed over drive, flat top, big sleeper, 10 near new tires, new transmission, new brakes a...>MORE

2005 SAAB 9-3 TURBO
leather, automatic, 83,000 miles, $6800. (417)438-5487....>MORE

2007 NISSAN MURANO
All wheel drive, 47,000 miles, leather, excellent condition, received a company car and do not need extra vehicle. $17,9...>MORE

PONTIAC, 1997 SUNFIRE,
2 door, automatic, low miles, very nice, $2650. 434-7382....>MORE

1999 FORD F350
crew cab, 7.3 diesel, 4x4, white, Astro top, best offer. 434-3995...>MORE

See all ads

Featured Homes

FURNISHED 3 BR
2 ba, 1750 sq. ft. vaulted ceilings, located in S. Joplin, near Shoal Creek, $97,500. Usa Real Estate 417-781-1233....>MORE

819 A STREET
Charming 2 story, 2 bedroom home with a lot of character. Hardwood floors, huge screened porch, central heat and air, co...>MORE

3 BR, 7 YEAR OLD
like new, all electric, 10 minutes to Neosho, 20 minutes to Joplin. No Smoking, No Pets, $700 Month, $350 Deposit. (417)...>MORE

GROVE, GRAND LAKE, OK.

Beautiful 2-story 2-kitchen Lake Home with Million $$$ lakefront. Stunning Commercial Building for restaurant or o
...>MORE

1219 XENIA COURT
OPEN SUNDAY 2-4 P.M. 3 br, 2 ba, $84,000. 629-6135....>MORE

BY OWNER: 3 BR, 2 BA
1880 sq. ft., Cedar Ridge subdivision $189,900 417-621-5098...>MORE

3 BR, 1 BA, 827 S. PICHER
central heat/air, refrigerator, stove $500/$500. 437-6365....>MORE

LOMA LINDA
2 BR, 2 BA, 1 year lease, $750/$700. No pets. (417)310-0056....>MORE

3 BR, 2 BA, FIREPLACE
2 car attached, corner lot. Royal Heights area. $103,500. 417-434-0502 or 417-673-5584....>MORE

1617 JEFFERSON CIRCLE
3 BR, 2 ba, gar, fence, updated electric $63,000. 629-6135...>MORE

See all ads

Other Cool Stuff

KENNELL REDUCTION
Chihuahua’s and French Bulldog’s, AKC, pups to young adults, very nice, Chihuahua’s $100/up, Frenchis, $900/up. (417)394...>MORE

CHEAP PUPPIES
Border Terriers, Dachshunds, Italian Greyhound, Lhasas, Morkies, Norwich Terriers, Shih-Tzus, Standard Poodles (chocolat...>MORE

TWO LIVING ESTATE SALES, ONE SITE

Saturday, November 7, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
28245 Fir Road, Carl Junction, MO.
Follow signs.
Downsizing
...>MORE

YORKIE, POMERANIAN AND SILKY PUPPIES
wanting forever homes. Well socialized. Prices $75-$300. Early Christmas presents (417)652-7510, leave message. ...>MORE

2008 POLARIS TRAILBLAZER 330
2 wheel drive, like new, $2300. (918)961-8995....>MORE

CHIHUAHUAS
Chorkies, WaPoos, Shih-Tzus, just in time for Christmas. $85 to $250. Registered and shots 417-438-6057...>MORE

1950S CAVALIER COKE MACHINE
in working order, $350. (417)782-2751....>MORE

COFFEE, END AND ENTRY TABLE
coffee, end and entry tables, Nordic Track Walk Fit, sewing machine desk, (417)206-4958....>MORE

14 WEEK-10 WEEK OLD MORKIE
males, $200. Papillion females, $200. 417-548-2433....>MORE

2 CREMATION NICHES
2 CREMATION NICHES Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, moving must sell quick. Call Carolyn, (417)624-3017....>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index

 

 

The Joplin Globe Electronic Edition