Slog

News & Arts

Line Out

Music & Nightlife

Friday, June 12, 2009

Another Pot Initiative

Posted by Dominic Holden on Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 2:12 PM

Yesterday I made a bold prediction: Based on a pot decriminalization initiative that passed in Massachusetts last November by a landslide, the announcement that California would likely run a measure to legalize marijuana next year, and that Washington is in a position to run its own ballot measure, I argued that we'd see several states running initiatives to reform pot laws next year. Here's what commenter giantladysquirrels said:

Dominic, you are frequently too willing to forecast broad trends based on a single incident (and in this case, the incident hasn't even happened yet). There's a single initiative planned in a single state. I can't see how that means we should prepare for states around the country to enact new pot laws by the end of next year.

Dear Miss Big Squirrels, I shall instruct the blogosphere to stop forecasting broad trends. However, my prediction wasn't based a single initiative (or even two), but lots of things going on—bills in state legislatures, a new federal administration that probably won't lobby against pot initiatives, polls that show more support for decriminalizing pot, and an economy that's forcing states and voters to rethink spending priorities. And then there's this news in today's Las Vegas Sun:

The Marijuana Policy Project has set up its first state chapter in Las Vegas, launching another effort to get voters to legalize pot in Nevada.

But my prediction may still be off: The group won't run an initiative in Nevada until 2012. Which state will be next to announce a campaign to legalize pot?

Share via

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Newsvine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Email
 

Comments (5) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment
Will in Seattle 1
We will.

After we get sick and tired of paying extra taxes for the fake War on Drugs.
Posted by Will in Seattle http://www.facebook.com/WillSeattle on June 12, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Greg 2
So why isn't there an initiative in Washington? NORML and MPP too busy with their group strokefest to start working on changing the law?
Posted by Greg on June 12, 2009 at 2:47 PM
3
jackass
Posted by yeah, you on June 12, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Max Solomon 4
i am so angry at obama for not legalizing weed by executive fiat! how dare he not immediately risk his presidency for my identity politics!
Posted by Max Solomon on June 12, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Will in Seattle 5
I know, @4 - especially after he showed his love for teh gays.
Posted by Will in Seattle http://www.facebook.com/WillSeattle on June 12, 2009 at 5:15 PM

Add a comment

 

All contents © Index Newspapers, LLC
1535 11th Ave (Third Floor), Seattle, WA 98122
Contact Info | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use