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Massachusetts First to Legalize?

Tue, Oct 13, 2009 5:55 pm

California may be losing it's crown as cannabis kings. Massachusetts, which decriminalized marijuana in the historic 2009 election, will hold a public hearing on Wednesday October 14th on bill H. 2929, "An act to regulate and tax the cannabis industry." If the bill is passed, prohibition at the state level will be taken down and replaced with a system of taxation and regulation. The system would be similar to the sale of wine and "is largely modeled after the alcohol control laws."

This is the first bill introduced to a legislature that would fully legalize pot. The bill opens with: "The governor and the representatives of the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging that previous efforts have not succeeded in eliminating or curtailing marijuana use and abuse; determined to exercise some measure of control over the use of cannabis consistent with respect for individual freedom and responsibility." Good to see law makers recognizing and reacting to the real drug situation in the country. With Massachusetts and California pushing for regulation and taxation, this is the closest the country has come to true legalization. ...mass.gov

» add a comment

GrowUrOwn

Oct 30 2009, 6:19 pm

I Fckn hate commercial growers!!! I personally think that everybody should just grow there own...seriously, Fck whether or not they legalize it, it's better than payin ridicolous prices like some people try to get, for 500-600 dollars get a hps, some fans, dirt, and nutrients and 100-150 for some fem seeds and there ya go....in a couple months youll be set with some super duper,and help put a dent in the pocket of people that have taken the personal pride out of growing, and turned it into big business!

Wire-Guy

Oct 28 2009, 11:17 pm

So, tell me fellows... Was the bill passed or not??

Balto. Fred

Oct 21 2009, 7:52 pm

Mass Cop ... You're still alive. You still bring a ray of sunshine in my life after me being busy all summer long. It would be much harder to describe a happy life if you couldn't say it was the opposite of a sad life.

Balto. Fred

Oct 21 2009, 7:42 pm

An ... You're funnier that all get out. In fact get out of town. The CIA came out of Army Intelligence from WW II. Smoke more rock. It won't hrut your brain any more than it has.

g13haze

Oct 21 2009, 4:49 pm

not only is boston the new hollywood theyre showing love to the cannibus if they legalize it it will help because dealers are charging a arm and a leg and the weed aint good so is mass on taxes iknow iwill be voting

spring hill fl. sped

Oct 21 2009, 2:04 pm

the gov. finely wants there cut. i guess the dont want us indoor peeps to keep making all the money. fuc them. ill never stop growing no matter what thay do.

Oct 21 2009, 6:31 am

do you know the CIA was founded by the Jewish and was named after south american petrolium royalty and has nothing to do with america but is house'd in that country.

Wrong Jeremy

Oct 21 2009, 6:25 am

if you support american entertainment you support terrorism. Do you know that Jerusalem has a statue of a Jewish terrorist and praise him. I vote for atomic war in europe, at night for entertainment. Your all dementia'd in europe about the crack cocaine. Theirs a worlds alliance lead by the Jews and the micro transmitters in all humans to torture and kill for their enjoyment. The CIA must change their name, the CIA are evil terrorist organization with government status and resources. The south americans are idiots says the CIA, Taser yourself then hit a puppet

dope boy

Oct 21 2009, 12:53 am

No please dont legalize! I'm making to much money!!

Philly

Oct 20 2009, 8:35 pm

Smoke marijuana, leave the trees alone please.

bongrip 420

Oct 20 2009, 7:59 pm

hell yea smoke mad trees all day!

anonymous

Oct 20 2009, 7:08 pm

Seriously what is the pig doing on here? Leave!

...sixtys_child...

Oct 20 2009, 4:42 pm

I come from just west of Chicago ,and never heard the word Marijuana,until i was drafted at 18.I like so many others found Army life a pain in the ass and a war not worth dieing for,many of us were directed towards marijuana by the Army Head Dr.s....were told it would mellow us out and we would enjoy the buzz.ANd i did and i finished my tour,higher then a Mother (well you know( lol..I always said i would never g0 stright but i would always go forward.Marijuana has been my way of couping with the daily stress of lifes ups and downs.i am 57 and have seen many changes in the war on marijuana, and for once i feel i will see my last dream in life come true,, My god given right to smoke pot and medicate when needed " yes Virgina there is a Santa Clause " .Oh by the way i live in Vermont ,,,we are headed there too sooner then alot of people think,,,see you in legal pot land soon ,,,,3 cheers for good oh Mass, and Calif,keep up the fight,we are here ...... "Sixtys_child"

Mary Jane Rottencrotch

Oct 20 2009, 1:10 am

If law enforcement and the drug industry would just give MARIJUANA a chance we would find jobs for all of these people. And as far as law enforcement goes, safer jobs, jobs where you don't have to worry about get killed or shot.

And as far as the drug industry goes, we will need you people to oversee the daily operations and research plus development of better products, like other uses of marijuana. WE WILL FIND JOBS FOR ALL THE PEOPLE, not just the few, like law enforcement, and the drug industry.

THE ONLY THING YOU HAVE TO DO IS GIVE LEGALIZATION A CHANCE TO WORK. We've try everything else, NOW LET'S TRY LEGALIZATION. It's the only way to find out if it will work or not. PLEASE, for the benefit of all mankind, give it a chance. We will never know till you do.

Chai The Stoner Bitch

Oct 19 2009, 11:55 pm

I'm glad that at least one state is showing some god damn common sense! And fuck you Mass Cop! Sorry that you're sad that your pay's gonna cut, but get the fuck over it you dumb bitch pig! CUZ I NEED 3 LITTLE PIGGIES TO MAKE A PIGGIE PIE! THERES NOTHING LIKE THE SOUND WHEN YOU HEAR A PIGGIE DIE!!

d_roller

Oct 19 2009, 9:47 pm

Tax weed? BS!!! Grow your own and never let the government get a penny from it!!!

youknowit

Oct 19 2009, 4:22 pm

everybody smoking it! Tax it and the money will stay in the states! a whole bunch of dealers are on state support, lets knock em dry on there feet and get the money they were making selling it to support there butts!

somedude

Oct 19 2009, 3:48 pm

wether marijuana is legal or not i will keep smoking. the government has no right to tell me what i can and can't do to and with my own body. the choice is between me and my creator. i am only going to live once, and i possess an inalienable right to live my life as i choose to so long as i bring no harm to another. marijuana has been proven to alleviate pain, stimulate brain cell growth, relieve stress, fight depression, and prevent cancer. as i said, what's right and wrong for me is between me and my god and no one else. i am ashamed to live in this country. the ideals this once great country were founded on have been all but shredded. americans work harder than any of the other peoples on this planet and the proceeds go to criminal organizations that have established themselves through the very fact that our government has made this harmless plant illegal. people are literally dying on the streets of our country because they have nothing to eat, while drug cartels drive mercedes. let's re-invest our money where it belongs, here. the grief and agony of families torn apart, the billions of dollars that are lost to criminal groups each year, and the blood of those harmed and killed as a result marijuana's continued illicitness is squarely on the hands of the law makers who continue to remain ignorant about this beautiful plant. let's raise the pay for cops who are brave enough to go after the real drugs, and get rid of those who are not. it's time to re-enact the ideals of our fore and founding fathers. everyone in this short and beautiful life has the right to life, liberty , and the pursuit of their happiness. it is time we stop this ignorance and free this not only harmless but beneficial plant. world peace, one love.

life is very easy!!!

Oct 19 2009, 2:19 am

France, your all obsessive compulsives...
stay away
i do not like France...
your dementia'd about the american life style...
go home and never leave....
and again her, i don't know who your talking about...
shut it about the France prostitute...

Finally

Oct 19 2009, 12:12 am

YES i say great idea everyone should be legalizing it. HOw can u have any control over any kind of drug(even though its a plant) without having it legal first. PLus i live on the boarder of NH/Mass so that would be perfect.

Remmi

Oct 18 2009, 8:47 pm

I would just like to say that anybody that reads this and is excited about it as me should write or email the lawmakers that had the bravery to stand up for this bill.If you are like me and dont live in Mass. and want to see laws changed...WE ALL NEED TO VOTE AND BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN GOVERNMENT DESPITE HOW F'D UP IT IS...IF EVERYBODY THAT SMOKED GOT TOGETHER AND SAID WE WILL NOT VOTE FOR PEOPLE THAT DONT SUPPORT OUR CAUSE, THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH VOTES THEY WOULD LOSE THEY WOULD HAVE NO CHOICE OTHER THAN TO LISTEN. Just be glad you dont live in VA, Ill end up moving before its legal here....Keep up the good fight.

Beth

Oct 18 2009, 4:33 pm

Oh how wish Illinois would legalize weed it would greatly boost the economy here.I say YES to legalization of marijauna

Cweez

Oct 18 2009, 2:36 pm

free the weed!!

JUSTIN

Oct 18 2009, 8:48 am

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE MA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eli

Oct 18 2009, 6:17 am

I really hope people that oppose legalization will look outside the box and realize that this bill will make huge revenues for their state. Not only that, hopefully it would start a chain reaction within the states and they would follow them. Marijuana has needed to be legalized for some time now. Many other good things come from Marijuana, like plastics, paper, clothing, which is all environmentally safe. Plus IT GETS YOU HIGH. Everyone enjoys a good high wither they admit it or not.

andrea Fl

Oct 17 2009, 11:34 pm

smoking for 35 years, and still can't believe its illegal. We could help pay for national health care if taxed fairly. They make us become criminals, even growing for personel use

tank7-320

Oct 17 2009, 8:35 pm

its just an herb

hehe

Oct 16 2009, 7:31 pm

I love all of you because we are one and there is no way around it suckas! unconditional love woo spread it!

MillyMesser

Oct 16 2009, 6:01 pm

WOW!! Seriously they need to cut to the chase and go with taxing so we all can be rich and are county be the riches in the world. To all my blunt smokers bong chokers and joint hitters. lets take a poof to the men and women wanting the best for Mary Jane she soon awakes from a deep sleep ready to eat are wallets and burn down are houses... ONE LOVE

NGQ420

Oct 16 2009, 5:34 pm

would be great if it happens;but the feds have no intentions of legalizing it! in the state of washington where i am at we are all hoping for the same!!!!

yow

Oct 16 2009, 12:54 pm

i'm starting to think the big changes in the world that all of the indiginous tribes are talking about is going to start with freeing the weed. the effects are extremely vast

Gentile Joe

Oct 16 2009, 10:26 am

Never let a government tell you what is right and what is wrong. So I burn one, order some pizza, play some computer games, and listen to some Pink Floyd. No harm done.

Or better said,

"Well done ... hot dog bun ... my sister's a nun."
- "Illegal Smile", John Prine

Angel of Death

Oct 15 2009, 11:57 pm

buzz.killings.worth

Oct 15 2009, 9:53 pm

Read the bill. It aint as great as you think. Everything but smoking in your house and not sharing is illegal still. Driving high is punishible by 2yrs and/or $1000 fine. Fuck that. Then there's licenses and all that tax stamp government bull. Dealin on a street level will be more illegal than ever. Read it all next time, flashy headlines block out the facts more often than not.

STUNNA

Oct 15 2009, 6:47 pm

Wish broke ass michigan would do the same

Oct 15 2009, 4:20 pm

Well if they do or don't will not stop me. I won't let them do to me what they did to mark emery. Smith and Wesson and ruger are on my side! Ya now!

$CHOng$420

Oct 15 2009, 3:56 pm

lets fuckin hurry up and legalize it so i can do it wherever the fuck i want. if ND doesnt change their laws soon they wont have anybody living here. lol

blueberry yum yum

Oct 15 2009, 1:39 pm

woww.. i live in mass. and i wish this happened at least one month before.. i got into some unbelievable crap just 3 weeks ago dealin with the law here and this.. (sigh) its gonna suck if i have to do all this service n pay this fine if it gets legalized lol oh well ill be pretty satisfied =)

doodle

Oct 15 2009, 1:21 pm

Taxachussetts is getting it right.

herbalrelief13

Oct 15 2009, 1:04 pm

FUCK YES FUCK YES FUCK YES

Hue

Oct 15 2009, 11:06 am

"Fuck" is German and means "to strike"

Mary Wanna

Oct 15 2009, 2:41 am

Now that States got some smart people, very smart people.
Now tell me how we can do it in West Virginia. These coal miners are hurting and need some medical marijuana
now. And on top of that they might be laying off a bunch of miners and they will need jobs too. How can we make it happen here in West Virginia? I'm so happy for those people in Mass., they know how to get things done. Hopefully it will snow-ball clear accross the country and save the people that need it. Good luck Mass.

Jayden Blaze

Oct 15 2009, 2:18 am

Yayyy im moving bak home to Salem Ma lol. hope maine passes a new bill nov 3d when people need to vote ues on question 5, that will make medial marijuana available to more patients hopfully make it bhow it is in Cali, its about time people realize this is the only SAFE so called drug out there

rev.sleezy

Oct 14 2009, 10:33 pm

Holy Smokes. It's the same line of response from the people who are profiting from the prohibition. "There is no public health or public safety benefit." Lord have mercy! A man shoots a person over dime bag and the stance is "there is no public health or public safety benefit." I once was blind but now I see. It's about the loss of money and authority. People get ready. Change is coming! Rev.sleezy The Universal Life Church of the Holy Smokes Potland, OR

PANAMAREDTHEN

Oct 14 2009, 9:11 pm

AND TO THE GUY WHO BEGAN sIR, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT"! THAT'S HILARIOUS, REMINDS ME OF "TALLADEGA NIGHTS"

PANAMAREDTHEN

Oct 14 2009, 9:05 pm

TO ALL, BUT ESPECIALLY TO THE TAXACHUSETTS COP! EDUCATION WILL ENLIGHTEN US ALL! READ JACK HERER'S BOOK, VISIT A HEALTH FOOD STORE, ASK AN OPEN MINDED DOCTOR! JACK'S BOOK CHALLENGES ANYONE AND OFFERS A $100,000.00 REWARD TO SHOW THAT CANNABIS/HEMP WILL NOT DO ALL HIS RESEARCH SAYS IT WILL DO! ITS SEEDS ARE THE MOST NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE FOOD ON THE PLANET, ITS BIOMASS CAN REPLACE MOST OF THE FOSSIL FUELS WE USE, 1 ACRE OF HEMP CAN REPLACE 4.1 ACRES OF TREES, ITS ROOT SYSTEM HOLDS THE EARTH AND RENOURISHES THE SOIL, IT MAKES THE STRONGEST PAPER...CHEAPER! ITS MEDICAL USES ARE INFINITE! IT WAS MADE ILLEGAL BY THE LOBBYING AND COERCION OF BIG CORPS(DUPONT, HEARST, ET AL) I GREW UP IN MASS, SERVED IN S.E. ASIA SPENT 35 YRS AS A FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC AND HAVE ADDED WORTH TO THE PLANET AND PEOPLE'S LIVES...ALL THE WHILE SMOKIN' THE GANGA> AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER YOU SHOULD SUPPORT A MOVE THAT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER AND LEAVE YOU FREE TO CHASE REAL BAD GUYS! GET EDUCATED YOU IGNORANT FUCKIN' REDNECK BASTAHD!!!

Super Lemon Haze

Oct 14 2009, 7:54 pm

I had the same feeling of it being legalized around the world within 5 years... man! i can not wait to see how many different kinds of weed i'll be able to buy:D:D:D:D:D:D

cj from miss to mass and bacsafe

Oct 14 2009, 7:54 pm

To vote on the legalization of that good 9734093274 listen and press #. We need a million calls yall.

Philly

Oct 14 2009, 7:49 pm

It's not just making it fully legal. It's also important to keep marijuana legal. The pendulum can always swing towards conservatism and make marijuana illegal again. I fully support smoking pot stay illegal but vape or eating/drinking be legal.

.

Fire = bad.

Latinomafioso85

Oct 14 2009, 5:48 pm

"...If there is h..heroin in my cup, it's my cup...Fuck You!" Lil Wayne The Block Is Hot is my favorite Wayne album. First time I've said it and felt good. Almost as if I have been repressed to say it. Drop like it's hott.

sampson simpson

Oct 14 2009, 5:37 pm

no one has a right to tell me or any of you what we can and cannot put into our bodies. there is not one reason why weed should be illegal. legalize it already! it is rediculous! at least one state is finally thinking logically. keep on tokin and livin life!

Anonymous

Oct 14 2009, 4:51 pm

Sir, with all due respect:

1.If your an anti-pot cop why are you on the hightimes website?
2.This is everyone's state, not just yours.
3.Would you please take some time to learn about the benefits of legalizing marijuana like watching the movie "The Union: The Business Behind Getting High".

James Crosby

Oct 14 2009, 3:55 pm

I believe cannabis will be legalized within 2-6 years in the United States, nationally.

WHAT!?!

Oct 14 2009, 3:48 pm

Yea FL is the harshest of all states on jane laws...... we will probaly never change >< stupid state full of old retired people

Jesus-Christ

Oct 14 2009, 3:12 pm

If you do not change your negative attitude toward cannabis (this means you cop) then I promise you that there is no way in Heaven that you will not ever see the afterlife!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ghost

Oct 14 2009, 2:33 pm

hell yeah, maybe the rest of the country will take this seriously and realize that what they've been demonizing is really what they should be cherishing

breathin blue clouds

Oct 14 2009, 2:25 pm

i bet tha south is going to be the last to realize change. Not to be stereotypical but u have heard the rants of that Ga rep that believe smokers should be beat with a cane. I mean i live here and i still have that stereotypical outlook on southerners being slow, and basically stuck in their ways. Mostly older people retiring and moving to the south so that speaks for itself.

skrz

Oct 14 2009, 12:05 pm

come on south cack!

karma smoke

Oct 14 2009, 11:41 am

come on New York ! lets do this !

Old Guy

Oct 14 2009, 9:01 am

USA Today wants our opinion! Should marijuana be legal nation wide?

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/10/letters-make-marijuana-legal-nationwide-.html?csp=34

sucker

Oct 14 2009, 8:48 am

Love it, Massachusetts trail blazing and looking good, it's time to let the government know that we don't want our tax dollars being used to persecute and victimize non violent smokers, people who smoke cannabis should not be doing more time than someone who murdered or raped, how is it fair that if you kill someone and claim that it was an accident you will get out in like five years but if you grow a few plants you will do like ten years, is that insanity?
stop going after non violent smokers and people with terminal illness who smoke, we need to confront this problem before they make it illegal to criticize the government, while we still have some freedom of speech.
cannabis consumed in america should be grown in america, stop sending the revenue abroad to people who want to kill us, people in america are loosing jobs and the government wants to raise taxes, we can raise money from legal cannabis and help our own economy.

sensi-ble

Oct 14 2009, 12:36 am

seriously everyone needs to take it down a notch... it makes sense for MA to be a part of this because A) it was one of the last states to criminalize it and B) MA would love the money from the tax that they would put on it. No need to fucking flip your shit over this if it goes through that is amazing if not no big deal carry less than an ounce on you and you are set and pay the fucking fine no need to give politicians and those in power a reason to think decriminalization failed. DO NOT ruin this shit for the rest of us not all of us smoke to look cool but rather as a medical necessity. Learn how to stash your shit and keep from getting busted.

Mike Cann

Oct 14 2009, 12:36 am

Has a grow your own provision, loving that about this bill!

reality

Oct 14 2009, 12:29 am

hey 200 an ounce is a great deal if u payin 130 4 an ounce its schwag where u from missouri??

WHAT!?!?!

Oct 14 2009, 12:14 am

$200 for an ounce of grade A????? I get that in my state for MAYBE $130..... have fun in MA with your high rates

Piax

Oct 13 2009, 11:35 pm

This is good to hear. Im glad to see a state taking the next step. Hopefully the rest will follow!!

To the MA Cop. Man really? Come up with a reason to keep it criminalized that can not be outweighed by a pro.
Fight for 420. Let the truth be spread.

anonymous

Oct 13 2009, 10:12 pm

mass. cop is truly ignorant. ignorance = worst disease

tonysparkstrees

Oct 13 2009, 9:42 pm

wake up though people. you think if they tax us it will mean its ok for us to keep blazing???? no! it means the govt will take all of our money and put it towords the control of the stoner public. soon you wont find any dealers only govt controlled sellers that will say no if uncle sam says we are unfit to smoke, or tell us where and when. we lose more freedoms in this contry the more we let them create legislations on shit we should just be free to do. stay awake and baked.

A little less than Ordinary

Oct 13 2009, 9:33 pm

It's high time some of you stop denying the truth. Certain politicians demonized marijuana nearly a century ago –the process that led to the prohibition needs to be re-examined closely by today’s lawmakers. Prohibition, in this case is based largely on imaginations and fear of the unknown.

How is it ok to teach your adult children to have drink but not ok to teach them to have smoke? Anyone can take a small amount of science with technology and prove that effects of smoke are far less harmful than a long list of legal over the counter and illegal drugs and alcohol. Regulation on the violation of civil rights and freedom is needed more than prohibition!

Common Sense

Oct 13 2009, 8:38 pm

MA Cop is just a stoner troll that gets a kick outta watching other tokers squirm and react to his comments. Ignore the ignorant.

wow

Oct 13 2009, 8:25 pm

What are appreciators of the greenery losers of? Unhappiness? Stupidity? Yeah. The stupid cop could stand to lose some stupid. Happiness should be felt by all. Not just the haters.

Concerned

Oct 13 2009, 8:18 pm

It will be legalized on a state level now only if we can get those dumb bastards in the Federal dept. to take their heads out their ass and legalize too.

gstlab3

Oct 13 2009, 7:59 pm

THANK GOD FOR SOME COMMON SENSE FROM THE GREAT STATE OF MASSACHUSETTES!!!!! AND THEY ARE USING MY FAVORITE WORD IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!

and.,,,,TO YOU., "MASS COP." FUCK OFF!! DIE PIG!! DIE!!!
TAKE A LAST LOOK AT YOUR FREE RIDE ON THE TAXPAYERS DIME!!!!
GO CHASE REAL CRIMINALS AND THEN GET BACK TO US YOU PIECE OF SHIT LOSER ASSHOLE!!!! GO CHOKE ON A DOUGHNUT!!!

Mass Cop Killer

Oct 13 2009, 7:52 pm

Tonight's pig is tomorrow morning's bacon. Cant wait for Mass. to legalize. Today Mass tomorrow the rest of the U.S.

A dude

Oct 13 2009, 6:49 pm

^^^^ Your a fucking loser. And you have a small penis. And i had sex with your wife, and she loves getting high

LMAO

Oct 13 2009, 6:44 pm

Mass Swine Lick my Nuts

LMAO

Oct 13 2009, 6:43 pm

Says the troll with no life

Massachusetts Cop

Oct 13 2009, 6:33 pm

NOT IN MY STATE!!! All the losers can move to CA. At least they'll be with their own kind. LOSERS!!!