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CHANGE YOU CAN 'BREATHE IN'

Sign the facebook petition sponsored by SSDP, and tell Obama to appoint a Drug Czar who will change our policy on marijuana.

Tue, Dec 09, 2008 12:33 pm

more: politics, activism, activism news, headline news, obama

SIGN THE SSDP FACEBOOK PETITION
VIEW HIGH TIMES’ FACEBOOK PAGE

“I would not have the Justice Department prosecuting and raiding medical marijuana users. It's not a good use of our resources." – Barack Obama (August 21, 2007)

During the presidential campaign, Barack Obama promised to stop the federal government from interfering in states that have approved medical marijuana. He has also spoken in the past about decriminalizing marijuana, and the failure of the War on Drugs.

Sign your name to Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s facebook petition, and help send a powerful message to the new administration. The petition, which will be hand delivered to the White House by SSDP, calls on Obama to appoint a Drug Czar who will treat drug abuse as a health issue rather than a criminal issue and will move away from a "War on Drugs" paradigm.

WE PETITION THAT...

When you called the War on Drugs an "utter failure" in 2004, you were right. A 2008 Zogby poll found that 3 out of 4 of Americans agree with you.

When appointing the head of your Office of National Drug Control Policy, please select someone with health, science, or education credentials rather than a military general, law enforcement official, or "tough on drugs" politician. The next "Drug Czar" should base policy on proven methodology rather than counterproductive ideology. At a minimum, he or she should support these measures:

*Ending the racially unjust disparity in sentencing for crack and powder cocaine.

*Ending the practice of prosecuting patients in states with medical marijuana laws.

*Eliminating the federal law that denies financial aid to students with drug convictions.

We all know that the War on Drugs is failing because handcuffs don't cure addictions -- doctors do. You have the opportunity to bring us the change we need. Will you?

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

SIGN THE SSDP FACEBOOK PETITION
VIEW HIGH TIMES’ FACEBOOK PAGE

“I would not have the Justice Department prosecuting and raiding medical marijuana users. It's not a good use of our resources."

"I inhaled frequently" "That was the point"

» add a comment

i want to grow for u

Jan 12 2009, 1:46 pm

The goverment drug class is what we need to focus on 1st.....a class 1 drug as definded by the federal gov. states that a class 1 drug has no medical use. There are now tousands of doctors that state the marijuana has many medical uses. There for it shoud reclassified to a class 2. That in its self would make it medicially legal. then i could grow marijuana and sell its drug suppliers acroos the country.
I hope im not 60 years old when they rescheule it.

Reality Check

Jan 6 2009, 4:54 am

Re: Reality Check -December 7, 2008

Answer to the question goes like this :
We are not aware of any promise made on that subject ..blah blah blah ..yadda yadda ..change .

I most certainly rest MY case .

joed

Jan 2 2009, 2:26 pm

One man does not rule this country. I wish Obama luck. Bush had great luck. We are all still here.

to below

Jan 1 2009, 3:44 pm

lol .. swallowed , didn't you .

D27

Jan 1 2009, 9:24 am

I think Obama will do great things to help marijuana be used for medical and educational purposes. He's an extremely educated, he's for the people, and he know's how to get our country going again.Plus it'll help to create more jobs and tax revenue and he knows that. "I hope"

Re: "to the pesimist "

Dec 30 2008, 3:27 pm

err ... your crystal ball is cracked .

operation soaring eagle

Dec 30 2008, 1:30 pm

everybody must get stoned.good.

for the pesimists

Dec 30 2008, 1:05 pm

Did we not vote for change? Why wouldn't he support MEDICAL marijuana when there's so much proof of how it can heal people? I've got news for all you god damn pesimists out there; WE WILL NO LONGER HAVE AN IGNORANT PRESIDENT AS OF JANUARY 20th!:)

? to below

Dec 30 2008, 2:34 am

He promised nothing on either .

AREIAL

Dec 29 2008, 11:01 pm

OBAMA DID NOT SAY HE WAS GOING TO MAKE POT LEGAL HE SAID THAT HE WAS GOING TO CUT OUT THE WASTEFULL PART OF THE DRUG WAR BUSTING PEOPLE FOR EATING HEMP SEED CAKES IS STUPID SO IS BUSTING PEOPLE FOR HAVEING STEMS AND SEEDS.

twiggs

Dec 29 2008, 12:36 am

i beleave that weed should be legal for all people but only allowed to have no more then a ounce and not to sell any cause if its legal more people will quit smokeing cigarettes an fulfill their dreams and live life peasefully with happyness.

Interesting

Dec 27 2008, 9:28 am

I can't find this promise Obama made either . (about pot)

Mouth of the south

Dec 26 2008, 4:53 am

Most of the recent Presidents "toked up " .
Most politicians "toked up " .
Your point is moot .

AlabamaResident

Dec 25 2008, 10:11 pm

Ok if Obmama Toked up when he was young does that make him more likely to leagalize marijuana? if it does then by all means let him be president for as long as possible

Old as Dirt

Dec 25 2008, 5:35 am

Oh , the stoops in this country will get some CHANGE alright .
CHANGE jingling in their pocket where dollar bills used to be .

HU210

Dec 24 2008, 7:48 am

There sure were alot of HT posters swearing Obama was in support of weed, but "just needed to be elected first".

Maybe they wont be fooled again-next time.

change.gov

See Chrispy below

klb

Dec 23 2008, 3:13 pm

The U.S. government will never change their drug policies as long as they can keep secretly making money off the drug war. To decriminalize marijuana would hurt their bottom line in other drug trades.

re: dissapointed

Dec 18 2008, 6:33 am

You think you're disappointed now ? heh ..give it another few months and you'll be disappointed as hell ......

to below

Dec 18 2008, 5:38 am

nawww ...he never made that promise . Just hype and spin from
some wishful thinkers . I see you were duped ..........

dissapointed obama voter

Dec 18 2008, 2:05 am

It is very disappointing that he totally brushed off that question. It is even more disappointing that in the beginning of the campaign he was making promises about ending the raids on MM Dispensaries and now he just seems like any other politician dodging the question as if it were a shoe and not even giving an intelligent answer.
Our voice has to be heard.Everybody that wants Marijuana legalized should just go to Washington in herds and protest while sparking it up. And if we have to be taken in handcuffs and in herds they wont be able to arrest all of us! In herds I tell you! And blow smoke in all of those cops and contact high the shit out of Washington.(takes bong hit) We should all do this just like in the 60's . It doesn't matter to me anymore what Obama wants or what the fat chief of police wants or what the czar wants it is about what we want people it is our right to smoke and that right was taken from us. This is not the end of this. This is just the beginning.

Reality Check

Dec 17 2008, 7:50 am

Thanks chrispy .
I sent my own question .

Question : According to some of your supporters , you publicly promised to end medical marijuana raids . Did you make such a promise ?

regards
xxxx x xxxxxx

chrispy in indianapolis

Dec 17 2008, 5:54 am

this here was on the obama site so as for now here is the man OFFICIAL answer. go ahead check for yourself @ http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/open_for_questions_response/

Q: "Will you consider legalizing marijuana so that the government can regulate it, tax it, put age limits on it, and create millions of new jobs and create a billion dollar industry right here in the U.S.?" S. Man, Denton

A: President-elect Obama is not in favor of the legalization of marijuana.

so sorry to crush dreams. not my goal. it is insted to hopefully light a fire under some asses to change this fuckers mind. I don't care for him or any other of the canidates. they all suck, they don't know what poor is. they haven't been poor. they didn't get their ass kicked in fuckin high school. I don't see obama as any different then anyone else that's led this country. I like clinton. at least he said he took a toke. GO BILL!!!
(btw I'm 17 so I can't vote but does it really matter if I do?)

Seriously

Dec 16 2008, 7:28 am

I'm with the guy a several posts back .
IF he made a promise to do anything about pot , why would anybody have to petition him for it ?
( I also haven't seen or heard a promise out of him on the subject although , I have seen everything claimed on the subject .)

cdn_ganja_goddess

Dec 15 2008, 8:06 pm

Thats the current issue I'm not understanding, the governments regulate and sell alcohol and smokes/cigars, chewing tobacco.

The hard truth is I have known people, and many people including family that have died from smoking cigarettes and tobaccos, dying of different kinds of cancer caused by tobaccos, lung and throught just for an example...

I'm sure we all know many people that have had alcohol poisioning, hell a friend of mine almost died cause his body was too small to handle the alcohol consumption his cousin gave him, passed out in a snowbank roadside face down.

Now the point, Who knows of anyone who has gotten cancer from smoking marijuana? Not me.

I also don't know anyone who had a weed overdose, or anyone that ended up in the hospital from smoking too much.

In fact I don't ever recall anyone dying from smoking a joint.

Some peeps do stupid stuff but thats not the weeds fault, hell I just sold a g to someone who hasn't slept in 3 days, she's 43, most people that I know who smoke are over 20.

Legalization will only help.
Help our countries get out of debt.
Help our sick and sleepy :P

-B

to kristen

Dec 15 2008, 3:15 pm

"i seriouslt doubt the guy under me is honestly prez Obama " ??..
Ya RECKON ??? LOL .....

Kristen

Dec 15 2008, 2:49 pm

I seriously doubt that the guy under me is honestly pres obama.

There is absolutely no reason why the use of marijuana should be illegal. Alchol is HIGHLY more dangerous than marijuana. Drinking causes many problems to the body, but yet marijuana is used for medical reasons, so what could possibly be the harm?

Of course everyone would have to expect that there would have to be limitations on the plant. For example you would need to be at least the age of eighteen and you shouldn't be able to drive while under the influence. Those would be, what i believe, the main issues or laws along with many more I'm sure.

Keep it up pot smokers, someone will have to make a change sooner or later. Marijuana has been estimated to be at least a $40 billion dollar industry, while the drug testing is only around 7.

Many other countries have legallized the herb, so why shouldn't we if it has been proven to be usefull? Quit spending the tax payers money on people who are in jail for possesion of marijuanna and legalize it, WHAT IS THE POINT IF NOBODY IS GOINT QUIT EITHER WAY?!

Barack Obama

Dec 15 2008, 7:44 am

What promise are you pot heads yapping about ?

The SeedleSs 1

Dec 14 2008, 1:45 pm

Lets face it, we all want the freedom of being able to smoke pot with out the constant fear of the laws prohibiting such use. Yet how? Appointing a Drug Czar? That sounds crazy! The so caled "War on Drugs" is the biggest bunch of bull shit ever, but this is the picture the government wants to paint for the ill informed side of America. I smoke pot every chance I get, I'm not sorry about it. Marijuana needs a voice, a face! Not Mark Emery or any who have modeled them selves around his actions. Marijuana needs a thinker, believer, a Freedom Fighter!

BudznBowlz

Dec 14 2008, 8:53 am

www.change.gov go the and find the open for questions section. Legalize and Regulate Marijuana was the #1 question voted for, not only that but every other few questions also was asking for MJ positive stuff. Papers reported on this and the open for discussion section will be back open for more questions beginning this week. Take time and go there and vote for our cause and submit as many questions that you can. Its hard to avoid it if we can keep this subject on top week after week.

SMART STONER

Dec 13 2008, 8:44 pm

you guys are stupid if we want to get anything done with marijuana than we have to become sensible stoner. appointing a DRUG CZAR is not a good idea. i mean yes i am sure in time marijuana would become legal but with what consequences. thugs running the streets trying to push their pot in anyone. i want pot legalized as much as the next pot head but come on people a drug CZAR?!?!?!

Mmmm ?

Dec 12 2008, 3:46 pm

corropt Gov. Of Illinois ...BUSTED !!

What did Obama know and when did he know it !

Dec 12 2008, 9:41 am

No . He made no promise about weed .
Different subject , he refused to provide an original birth certificate for eligibility which left a lot of people feeling their faith had been shit on .

Dec 11 2008, 4:38 pm

he made a promise about a birth certificate ? I don't get it .

I noticed

Dec 10 2008, 4:10 pm

the petition made no reference to any promise people claim he made . I wonder why that is ..................

yea

Dec 10 2008, 1:43 pm

in time.........

stoner

Dec 10 2008, 12:31 pm

they need to legalize it already!!! people go to jail for rape or murder and walk. for example i know this guy (hate him) he was drunk a minor and had a bunch of beer in his car, got pulled over and the cops did nothing. five minutes later he ran over some1 whose car had broken down and was flagging cars. the poor man may he rip died on impact. the kid didnt do any time didnt go to court no fines no nothing. i guess the cops failed to report they let him and his buddys go bc they were just being young. that is so wrong!! wheres justice?! murderer gets away..while my other friend is doing 4 months in jail and paying 2,000 dollar fine for a blunt. FUCK THAT! we need to legalize it! or at least be fair. not every stoner is a fukin thug.

Yea

Dec 10 2008, 12:11 pm

That original birth certificate thing is going to be around forever . I do really wish he'd of come up with it .

medical marijuana

Dec 10 2008, 12:05 pm

for all you pessimists, there is a real good chance that MEDICAL marijuana will be legalized but not so much for just marijuana for recreational use. That's a fine line. Alot of people don't have any idea that it cures desieases, pain, mental disorders and relieves stress from everyday life. This is something Obama won't overlook.

al-ganja

Dec 10 2008, 10:21 am

I understand if you think Obama will not change the drug laws, which he probably won't, but you make yourself appear equally as intelligent by requesting a birth certificate. If your going to believe such bullshit then think about to yourself and shut the fuck up. I hope that everyone who is watching and hoping that Obama change our drug laws will give him some time. First, he's got to figure out a way to make sure people can afford weed again, aka jobs. It took Bush 2 years, with the help of 911, to take away all civil liberties lets see how long it takes Obama to change their drug laws (again if at all).

Ocra

Dec 10 2008, 10:00 am

I don't care about all this .
But I do know Obama should be able to hear the hell outta some shit with them ears . Mybe they grow when he lies ?

Stash Riprock

Dec 10 2008, 9:15 am

I'd like to see the original birth certificate too !

Curious

Dec 10 2008, 9:01 am

I see the Gov. of Illinois got busted trying to sell the vacant senate seat once occupied by Obama . I believe he was asking more for the position than Obama paid for it . Oh yea , the Gov. Of Illinois is a Democrap ..go figure .

they still will

Dec 10 2008, 7:58 am

deal drugs even with the theat of death.........it don't stop drug dealer in Bali OR IRAN AND SO ON AND SO ON......

Just another thought

Dec 10 2008, 5:47 am

Also add to the petition

* Please provide a copy of your original birth certificate .

dimebag420

Dec 10 2008, 12:24 am

I love how the disparity's of the crack laws got brought up. They should lock up crack dealers! And it just so happens that the majority of the crack dealers are black. I love it when black liberals cry that there are more blacks in prison than whites. You hate seeing your "brothers" in jail? Tell them to get jobs and stop committing crimes! These same assholes cry and beg for murderers and rapists to walk free, because of the color of their skin. A real solution would be to legalize pot and other soft drugs. Then make possession for personal use of harder drugs punishable by extensive treatment. They should make selling drugs like coke, crack, and heroin punishable by death. And make the executions speedy and painful. Kill a few of these fucks and i guarantee you lil bobo in the hood will think twice before selling crack.

Brian Wilson

Dec 9 2008, 10:02 pm

Also I'm sick of comments like "Stop bitching before he even takes office, bro!" and "Just sign the petition" Fuck that. Obama should say "No I'm not going to appoint a drug czar. This is a violation of the 10th Amendment and I cannot justify these jobs." I know he won't though and that is why he did not get my vote.

metalhead

Dec 9 2008, 9:50 pm

You guys are fucking delusional if you think Obama is any less a facist than bush.

Brian Wilson

Dec 9 2008, 9:45 pm

Obama will change the drug laws...Maybe not change but certainly add a few more. Say goodbye to Salvia, Whip-it's and LSA! With all the pressure on Obama about smoking, smokers better get ready for fewer and fewer freedoms.

StashZoo.com

Dec 9 2008, 8:21 pm

I highly (no pun intended) doubt Obama will change or attempt to change anything in the marijuana community. It'll be more of the same. Every politician spews an agenda, but never follows through.

HU210

Dec 9 2008, 7:10 pm

The 2nd statement/paragraph calling for someone other than a cop as drug czar is ok. I will write my own letter and mail it 3-5 days before Obama is sworn in. Also to my congress-critters as well, again.(I dont care for all of the facebook jazz).

Didnt congress already eliminate the crack vs powder disparity? I thought that congress just increased the peanalties for powder(careful what you ask for) a few years ago.

The better approach in my opinion is to harp on how ineffective the WOD is. Obama has already stated that he would be eliminating programs that were ineffective and not worth funding. No greater example than Americas War Against Drugs and Pot.

Sign the petition if thats your bag. More fun to fill Obamas mail box at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington,D.C.

WTF

Dec 9 2008, 6:14 pm

I aint singining nothing that amounts to half-measures!
Legalize for everybody or I aint signing nothing!!

Just a Thought

Dec 9 2008, 5:03 pm

has anybody informed Obama that he made a promise about weed ?
He might not know yet .

Common Sense

Dec 9 2008, 4:39 pm

lets see ....
Joe Biden :had quite a lot to do with current drug enforcement laws

Rahm Emanual : "we are going to continue to find ways within the administration to fight legalization and the notion of legalization " ( during Clintons stay )

This is recent
Eric Holder : who pushed through changes in DC's marijuana laws that made sales a felony instead of a misdemeanor

What makes anyone think this pettion will do anything ?
I thought he was supposed to have made a promise ( most of us know he really did not )
Why would you need to pettion someone who has made a promise ....................

I'm willing to bet a lot of you just don't get it .

Reality Check

Dec 9 2008, 3:12 pm

Afraid not . No promise recorded anywhere .
As for the "bitching" ... Do you know the definition of that term ? Doesn't seem that you do .

skippyhaha

Dec 9 2008, 3:11 pm

it's 'breathe' in.

THE INDIVIDUALS

Dec 9 2008, 2:34 pm

To bad there was no out cry of support for Obama from the Marijuana Community when he was running for office. Maybe you should ask Ron Paul to help! We figured everyone would ride the band wagon after hiding when it was time to support Obama for President! But we understand that bigots Smoke Weed too!

www.myspace.com/theindividuals420

Double Reality Check

Dec 9 2008, 1:51 pm

Also, instead of bitching about a guy who hasn't even taken office, why not sign the petition (links in the article) so that we can all encourage him to do the right thing!

Double Reality check

Dec 9 2008, 1:49 pm

The video in the article clearly shows Obama making that promise, which he repeated throughout the campaign...

In case you missed it in the text and the video, here it is again:

“I would not have the Justice Department prosecuting and raiding medical marijuana users. It's not a good use of our resources." – Barack Obama (August 21, 2007)

Reality Check

Dec 9 2008, 1:30 pm

This article is flawed . Obama never "promised' to do anything conserning marijuana .

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