When you talk to an activist, things can get passionate with the force of an oncoming train. One might consider the atypical stoner stereotype and believe that the cannabis train runs a little slower, and makes frequent snack-stops. However, the dedicated individuals at the Legalization 2012 Cannabis Q & A aren’t laid back when it comes to shedding light on the benefits of this industrious herb. Despite their differences, the members of this tight knit activist community share many common ideas about legalization and the form it will take in the November 2012 election.
The gathering took place on August 10 on a beautiful Wednesday evening. Among the initial panel members were Kathleen Chippi (Patient and Caregiver Rights Litigation Project), Robert Chase (Colorado Coalition for Patients and Caregivers), Reverend Baker (Greenfaith), Rico Colibri (CARE), and Kyle Marsh (Cap’n Cannabis of Youtube fame). After the last Q&A, which was quite contentious, I was looking forward to hearing the views of the grassroots activists of Colorado, some of whom had been involved in the movement for over a decade.
So what should a cannabis enthusiast know about the upcoming 2012 ballot? The SAFER “Industry” bill, which regulates marijuana “like alcohol” has been well documented. The upcoming “Legalization 2012” bill will give voters a more thorough option regarding the “safest therapeutic substance known to mankind” (quoting Kathleen Chippi).
Some highlights of the Legalization 2012 bill include:
- No limit on growing, transport, or purchase of cannabis (or reasonable high limits – 100 plants or so)
- The bill will likely implement regulation similar to tobacco. Although the age limit looks like it will be set to 21, there is still some concern that an 18 year old can go to war, but could still be criminalized for using cannabis.
- Limitations on taxation. Some are set against the sin tax, others see it as an option for recreational sales. There is a solid sentiment against taxation through the DoR.
- It is widely accepted that limits on hemp production be removed altogether to stimulate textile manufacturing in Colorado as soon as possible. Hemp is widely regarded to be low enough in THC that it cannot be smoked for recreation (only for a headache).
These differences seem large when compared to what is contained in the “industry” bill, which limits growing at six plants (inside), 1 ounce outside the home, and sends tax regulation to the Department of Revenue. Industry players are quick to point out that passage of the SAFER bill will stop cannabis use incarcerations, and lay down a foundation of legislation from which we can grow in the future.
Cannabis activists have been burned too many times, most recently with pieces of HB1284, which they maintain has jeopardized patient privacy and safety and prevented necessary access to life saving medication.
Their concerns are valid, since our two party system rarely allows for a sensible narrative to be spoken that defends the common working American. Ranked voting will be a powerful mechanism to protect and expand cannabis rights in the future, while also securing positive change in other areas such as environmental protection and peace proliferation.
As the meeting drew to a close, Reverend Baker, of Greenfaith Ministries, withdrew his proposed legislation in a heartfelt gesture to bring everyone together under one Legalize 2012 bill. If everyone in the movement could don a mantle of humble appreciation, the chances of our state becoming the first to legalize recreational cannabis use will be greatly increased.
Thank you Reverend, for epitomizing the Green Party values of nonviolence, and a mighty thanks to all of our cannabis activists who continue to dedicate their lives to a cause that will bring justice to our citizens, and healing to our planet. May your days be filled with blessings!
Bill Bartlett
Co-chair, Green Party of Colorado
billbartlett.gpco@gmail.com
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
