Marijuana Decriminalization Consultation Paper

November 12, 2013

During last week’s Throne Speech, the Government announced they would “produce a public consultation paper on the decriminalization of marijuana and an examination of its wider uses.”

The relevant portion of the Throne Speech [PDF] said, “The time has come for leadership in the public debate on marijuana.

“Therefore, in this Session, the Government will produce a public consultation paper on the decriminalization of marijuana and an examination of its wider uses.

“This will inform the community of the competing research on this drug, its uses and the potential impact any shift in policy might have on the Island. The people’s representatives must lead a sensible, mature public discussion on this issue.”

This is the second time in recent weeks the concept has been brought up, with Public Safety Minister Dunkley recently saying: “I think it is necessary to acknowledge the public debate in Bermuda and overseas that surrounds the use of marijuana.

“Without going into too much detail, I do feel it is important to indicate that I am prepared to begin a meaningful discussion on the decriminalization of marijuana in Bermuda.

“Let me be clear, I do not support the legalization as I am not convinced that such a course is fit and proper for this country.

“I do take notice of the effect that a conviction for the youthful indiscretion of marijuana possession can have on our citizens and with that in mind a wider discussion on decriminalization must take place.

“There is also some momentum surrounding the medical uses of marijuana and the relief that proponents say it brings to the sufferers of various diseases.

“This discussion cannot be discounted either and must also form part of a sensible, mature public discussion on these issues.

“One need only read the newspapers, scroll the net or watch the electronic media to see that Caricom, the UK and even the United States are all considering their position on marijuana.

“We have nothing to fear from such a discussion locally and I wish to assure you that our decisions will be research-driven and made in the best interests of the Island as a whole.”

The conversation extends back some time, with former National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief saying last year, “Decriminalization has been discussed at length, and there is developing a consensus that decriminalization of marijuana for small amounts for personal use should be looked at for the future.”

Possession of cannabis is illegal in most countries, however many countries have decriminalized the possession of small quantities of cannabis, including parts of the United States, South America and Europe. In addition, some U.S. states have amended the law to permit medical marijuana.

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Comments (74)

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  1. Beyond2 says:

    Decriminalize marijuana, liquor sold on Sundays, legalise gambling……
    WELCOME TO THE NEW SODOM & GOMORRAH

    • Sara says:

      Babies having babies, fathers not present in children’s lives, broken homes, and gang life(sustained by illegal drugs) that is your Sodom and Gomorrah.

    • I'm not even getting paid for this says:

      “WELCOME TO THE NEW SODOM & GOMORRAH”?

      “Welcome to the 21st Century” – more like it.

      FTFY

      • Time Stamp says:

        lol – so true! Bermuda needs incentives to make it an attractive place for people to actually want to come and spend their money.

        We need to come out if the dark ages – what has been proposed isn’t even outside of the box thinking – other nations have allowed it.

        My only issue at first was how the IB community will feel about the legalization – but for employment contracts (similar clauses could be put in like with US hospitals that prohibit tobacco use) so you’re basically dealing with decriminalizing small amounts – like other nations / states – so I’m fine with that.

        As for those that say “the children” – it would be no different than if your child got their hands on cigarettes or booze.

        Gambling could have rules like Monte Carlo to keep locals out – or just allow cruise ships operate in port… Perhaps a percentage could go towards updating our islands schools, buildings / infrastructure.

    • Time Shall Tell says:

      All they need to do now is introduce legalized prostitution & you would be right. All in the name of a dollar…

      • Reas0n says:

        Actually, legal prostitution is a good thing, if handled properly.

  2. just sayin..... says:

    Would u just grow up and get with the times. I dont understand how liquor sold on a sunday a slot machine or smoking a joint can add any further suffering in this already corrupt world. God stop the madness of christians that claim are best interest and allow free will with education on choices we make and not there own.

    • Time Stamp says:

      It’s not just “Christian thinking” – there are all types of Christians that are not blinded by small minded ideals and there are those that have a more liberal / eyes open approach to things. I’m not saying that the latter comprises their beliefs on principles, but those that can understand that selling alcohol on Sunday isn’t a bad thing! :-) . Furthermore, a slot machine – well don’t use it if it bothers the individual’s conscience or don’t smoke that joint! In the grand scheme if things – the “issues” are trivial.

    • PERSON says:

      BECAUSE THATS WHAT PEOPLE SPEND MONEY ON DUHHHHH!!!!!!!! N WA DO WE NEED…..MONEY!

  3. Malachi says:

    The last sentence of this story should read:

    “In addition, some U.S. states have amended the law to permit medical marijuana, and marijuana for recreational use.”

    I have always had a problem with the fact that our political leaders, for example, can be “pissed out of their minds” on booze while on official business; but a guy at home with a couple of joints is a criminal. There’s really something wrong with that picture.

    It is clear that the use of marijuana CANNOT be stopped.

    If you can’t stop it – tax it!

    @Beyond2, for as long as I can remember, Bermudians have smoked weed, drunk alcohol on a Sunday, and gambled. So nothing will really change.

  4. YADON says:

    If they really base their decisions on actual scientific research I have no dought cannabis will be fully legalized.

  5. YADON says:

    The US Federal Government patented cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants in US Patent #6630507; it mentions Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, neurological trauma, HIV dementia, and autoimmune disorders as conditions for which cannabinoids may be indicated, and though more research is needed to determine the proper doses, routes of administration, and profiles of active compounds (e.g. terpenes [like pinene, limonene, and myrcene], flavonoids [like apigenin], and cannabinoids [like CBD, THCV, CBN, and THC]), CANNABlS may be indicated as a way to treat, prevent, and/or cure numerous other conditions, including cancers, organ damage and nausea induced by chemotherapy and radiation, chemotherapy resistance, diabetes and its complications, osteoporosis, exostosis, atherosclerosis, sepsis, reperfusion injury, obesity, microbial infections (including MRSA, brain-eating amoebae, and herpes), anxiety disorders (e.g. GAD, PTSD, and OCD), stroke damage, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome, epilepsy, autism, depression, insomnia, spasticity, dystonia, dyskinesia, acne, psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, pruritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, lupus, migraine, vascular dementia, chronic kidney disease, liver diseases, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, IBS, Huntington’s disease, prion diseases, arthritis, MS, ALS, pain, GVHD, organ transplant rejection, sleep apnea, incontinence, and metabolic syndrome. Smoking CANNABlS was found by UCLA researchers to not be linked with either lung cancer or COPD, but bronchitis was mentioned; if CANNABlS were re-legalized, non-smoking methods for using it could be promoted (e.g. vapor and oral). Strains of CANNABlS with low (or no) psychoactivity exist (e.g. CBD-rich) but Drug Prohibition hinders access to them. CANNABlS has astounding medical potential beyond its psychoactivity. Even the worst effects of CANNABlS are not as dangerous as the laws that ban it. Harm reduction is the only honest and effective way to deal with drugs, as Drug Prohibition has amplified or created any problems associated with drugs so special interests could exploit the issue for money and power.

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    • Malachi says:

      I guess there is nothing more to discuss!
      :)

    • Harris says:

      What is the research on what happens when you BURN and SMOKE the plant? Because let’s not kid ourselves, most users BURN and SMOKE. I’m not an expert but I would trust that all or most of the beneficial properties would be eliminated by burning the plant no?

      • Come Correct says:

        Not all but most, you are correct, but since it is illegal smoking it is the most cost effective use. Vaporizing or ingesting is by far the best way to go, but if you want a batch of brownies you’re looking at an ounce at the least, as it stand that could also result in a charge of intent to supply. Smoking anything is bad for you, your lungs aren’t designed for it.

    • Reas0n says:

      You could probably get most of these cannabinoid benefits by eating a few fruits/vegetables…

      I laugh at the pot head drones who think weed is good for them in any way, shape, or form.

      • YADON says:

        No chance buddy. Your brain actually has sites designed to do nothing but receive cannabinoids. We have evolved with this plant and if you took the time out to research this fact you will be quite amazed.

        • Reas0n says:

          I’ve researched it my friend. Cannabinoids are produced internally by your body. This really has nothing to do with the plant cannabis. Look… I’ve smoked plenty of weed, and I know the ridiculous propaganda that exists against it. That being said, it has VERY REAL risks…

          • Sara says:

            There are 0 risks when you consume through teas, foods, and vaporizers. Don’t get sidetracked by the smoking because if it were legal people could consume it safely. Can we move on from the “smoking isn’t healthy” I think we all agree with that.

      • Pot smoker says:

        Youre obviously just an uneducated fool to make such a bias statement

  6. haha says:

    FREE UP DE HERB!!!!

  7. Come On Man says:

    Consultation paper. Don’t hold your breath.

  8. Triangle Drifter says:

    Oh come on, get on with it! Surely there must be existing legislation from another jurisdiction that can be cut & pasted to suit Bermuda.

    Enough talk. It has gone on for too long. Legalise it.

  9. Starting point says:

    LOL @ all the people who think they will be able to sit off in the park and smoke. They will decriminalize it not make it legal. very different things. You will still be asked to stop by the police, they will still search you, they will still take your weed away etc. you simply will not have a criminal record and be on a stop list.

    Also, this will do nothing to fight against the gangs, do you really think the gang guy on the corner will say “oh, weed is legal, can’t make a profit on it…lets shine up the resume now” no, they will simply increase the mugging, theft and property damage – in fact. legalizing weed will prob increase violent crime, but now against non gang members (that means you and I will be the target).

    it should be decriminalized as a teenager who gets caught with a joint should not be restricted for his entire life but it will not be legal as in coffee shops, clubs like Amsterdam – anyone who thinks that really is smoking too much.

    • ^Almost says:

      Agree with your first point. But I think you are incorrect with your second statement.

      If weed is legal, it follows that there will no longer be just a black market. With the increased competition from the legal market the black market of weed will eventually be put out of business due to a number of factors. Increase in police resources targeting dealers alone will be a check on the market. Not to mention that at the current price of $50 a gram(check out police drug seizure statistics if you don’t believe me) the legal competition will easily beat such prices and leading those who do partake to buy from them.

      Most guys on the corner are not hard core gang members. According to our police that there are select few who are in it for the life (live by the gun, die by the gun), and most others for the association with power and prestige. That latter group will be the ones who will try to polish up their resumes when they realize that no longer can they make easy money from weed. This may also have the knock on effect of preventing our upcoming youngsters for idealizing these criminals as the life won’t be so appealing as their will be less money for you and still jail time. Finally the former group who will still stick with the gang no matter what. Those guys who start to commit more break-ins and robberies will also have more pressure from the police on them and will be put in jail. With less kids growing up to emulate and fall into that lifestyle we should see a decrease in criminality overall. This alone could be considered a WIN-WIN, but we haven’t even taken into account how legalization can help slash our debt through new taxes, free up money for education and treatment of the addictions to drugs. There are not many other options out there that even come close to breaking the gangs, giving us new sources of revenue and affording more protection to our kids as well as steering them away from that life.

      • lolz says:

        The problem is that they aren’t even thinking of legalization, just decriminalization, which is absolutely stupid, it means it stays in the drug dealers controls, we make no tax, and the black market still profits.

      • Captain Obvious says:

        Aint 50 a gram bra…lmfao

        • Come Correct says:

          Have you not read previous marijuana cases in court and done the math to see what the police consider the street value is per gram? It may not cost YOU $50 but that’s what they will charge you for.

    • Tommy Chong says:

      Please get your facts straight.

      Mugging & theft happen the majority of time because addicts are desperate to get their fix of harder drugs that gangs not only trade for money but also for whatever the addict thief/mugger steals that the gangs want.

      Also cannabis isn’t & never has been legal in Amsterdam or any other part of Netherlands.

  10. Dee Dee says:

    I heard it is great relief for menopausal symptons. Is that true? If so, where can I get my card for medical use?

  11. 1minute says:

    CURB President Mr Nash said that “simple possession a victimless crime” so is carrying a gun. It is not until it is used that you have victims.
    In my younger days I was a pot head, and back then I saw things where smoking pot had victims. One friend was seriously injured in a bike crash after getting stoned. One pot party someone thought it fun to get the persons dog stoned. Plus I know of people who smoke pot with their babies sitting on their lap. they are usually dopey enough to not realise that the baby would get secondhand smoke.
    Put it to a referendum and I will vote against it

    • ^Almost says:

      Considering that those things happen when they are illegal how does that change anything when it is legal. With more money from taxes helping to slash our debt, we will be able to educate those “dopey” people who have their babies with them to use vaporizers or maybe to eat it in the form of a brownie or even make a it into a tea so no harm comes to the child. Not to mention that those people will be able to consume pot in healthy waves because the access to cheap weed and devices (live vaporizers) that help with efficient and healthy consumption of pot.

      But hey… that seems just all to logical doesn’t it.

    • Tommy Chong says:

      The examples you have given have nothing to do with the effects of cannabis. They are examples of the effects of ignorance which can happen regardless of the means to the end. The same ignorant people who would drive under the influence of cannabis would also drive under the influence of alcohol or other mind altering drugs. The same ignorant people who would smoke cannabis around a baby would smoke tobacco around a baby & would allow an underage child to drink alcohol. The same ignorant people who would get a dog stoned would get a dog drunk or give it chicken with bones or chocolates to eat.

      Since the legality of ignorance is not tabled your vote against cannabis decriminalisation won’t do skid to curb ignorant actions.

    • Sara says:

      You do realize that all of that happened while it was ILLEGAL? Decriminalizing will not change anything…

    • Reas0n says:

      I agree with you. Leave things the way they are, since apparently “nothing will change”. Except we may have a few less brain dead kids. I’ve smoked enough weed to know what it does to the mind.

      • Sara says:

        Leave the power, money, and gun crime in the hands of gangs(sustained by illegal drugs). No thank you I want a Bermuda where people aren’t killing over a plant thanks. Common sense where art thou? Our society is so brainwashed that common sense just doesn’t exist anymore, its very sad.

      • Sara says:

        Not to mention the younger generation who will be put on stop lists and have their lives changed forever because they get caught with a plant? Again, common sense where are thou?

  12. Say Say Say says:

    Consultation papar? Or just another sit and do nothing paper?

    Bermuda is very good at doing nothing.

  13. Regurgitation says:

    We need a timeline set on the consultation paper. It should be published no later than Feb 2014. Surely most of it can be borrowed from another jurisdiction.

  14. Ruthless says:

    Be careful Bermuda! The only thing that’s gonna happen if marijuana is decriminalized is the So-called Gang Leaders will get their so-called soldiers to push the use of cocaine, heroin and ecstasy! And if you think not then think of the cocaine that’s being put in spliffs right now! And no, I am not joking! It’s how my brother was hooked on coke and it’s still happening today!

    • Ride says:

      @Ruthless

      Doesn’t the case concerning your brother support the decriminalisation, regulation, and taxation of marijuana? You don’t hear of any cases of people buying cigarettes a store that have been laced with coke (or E or heroin). You don’t hear of gangs sitting out on corners to sell cigarettes. This is because it is easier, cheaper, and safer to purchase this from reputable establishments like grocers, liquor stores, pharmacies, and so on.

      Equally as important is that with purchasing from a reputable business you are more likely to get better quality/purity of product than from an illegal seller. The risk that you’ll get some spiked alcohol from Goslings that will cause you to go blind is close to zero. While the same risk from some illegal backyard moonshiner is much much higher.

      There is no money in cigarette or alcohol trafficking for gangs. Better quality, variety, safety, and less expensive products are available legally. I don’t smoke it but I do think it should be decriminalised.

      Ride

      • Toodle-oo says:

        It sounds like you’re (and you’re not the only one) still confusing decriminalization with legalization .

        With decriminalization there will be no ‘regulation and taxation’ . That only comes with legalization . There’s a massive difference between the two .

    • YADON says:

      Dealers don’t do that , would you plate gold with tin? Coke is so much more expensive it does not make sense

    • pabear says:

      well all you done is made a real argument for legalizing cannabis, for if someone is license to sell it and puts cocaine or any thing else in it you can call the police, what happens now?

    • Tommy Chong says:

      NEWS FLASH!!!!

      Gang leaders already get their so called soldiers to push the use of cocaine, heroin & ecstasy. These drugs are far more profitable & a much better guarantee of the repeat customer than cannabis.

      Also sorry to read about your brother but his fate was more to do with the company he keeps than cannabis. Many cannabis smokers don’t associate with users of other drugs because of this reason & also because crack heads are the police most favourite rats. Plenty of cannabis users have been arrested as a result of a fifty dollar reward used to buy a crack rock.

      • Ruthless says:

        I can take all your points! This is just my personal feelings! Youngsters are so easily manipulated these days that I don’t think it will be to hard to push something new on them! As for my brother, you are right! You lay with dogs you catch fleas! He actually already contacted me a little while ago cause the story sounded so familiar!

        • Tommy Chong says:

          It’s good to read that you realise a flower from a plant didn’t cause your brothers misfortune. The most dangerous thing about drugs is the taboo that surounds them & the lack of proper education due to this. I have family also that have succumb to addiction one of which was highly successful & never touched cannabis because they felt it was an, “unsophisticated pastime for the menial worker” but was quick to get on their business associates’ bandwagon of dabbling in the “high-class sniffing of the pure columbian powder“ At present this family member has taken all their success & snorted it all away & had to leave the island because being as far away from their powder snorting buddies was the only way they could move towards rehabilitation.

  15. Stoner says:

    Legalize the herbs! free your mind! be one with the earth! Decriminalize the herbs!

  16. Jim Bean says:

    BIG difference between decriminalisation and legalisation!

  17. Commenter says:

    Legalize!!!

  18. Come On Man says:

    They are just messing with your minds it’s like I’m gonna fix your car I’m gonna fix your car.Saying it over and over again,but it will never get done. The oldest and most used trick in the book. They have no intentions on changing the existing laws.

  19. Feeling charitable says:

    What does the Loyal Opposition Leader think of decriminilisation of Mary Jane?

  20. Common Sense says:

    The proposal to involve the general public through a public consultation paper is the best possible approach by this or any Government. The above posts clearly demonsrtrate that there are widely varied views on whether or not we should decriminalize or legalise marijuana. I know for sure there were politicians in the former Government who wanted just such a public consultation when they were in power but couldn’t get their fellow politicians to join them.

    I personally think that our “War on Drugs” has been a total and monumental failure in every sense of the word, and will remain so as long as marijuana is lumped in with all the hard and very dangerous illegal drugs.

    But I want to hear all the arguments for and against decriminalization/legalization. I want to know what the latest medical experts have to say on the subject, and also what has happened, both positive and negative, in those jurisdictions where marijuana has been decriminalised.

    From my reading of the press release, “the Government will produce a public consultation paper on the decriminalization of marijuana and an examination of its wider uses.” That will give all you axperts an opportunity to state your cases, for or against, before a final decision is made. Surely, that’s what good Government is all about.

  21. Eye opener says:

    This is certainly a step in the right direction.
    A plant that grows in the wild with many medical benefits should be considered accessible to the public. How can we allow a man made cigarette which contains 3,000 chemicals in one cigarette and people need to take patches just to quit the habit….. Yet that isn’t illegal??
    But a plant that grows just like any other plant as nature which contains medical benefits is considered illegal……
    Come on people, lets open our eyes to common sense.
    Our youth and citizens are being discriminated against and opportunities held back along with travel disadvantages because of a simple plant that can be grown in your back yard!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!
    If the OBA gets this legislation amended for decriminalization, consider it as one of their signature highlights during their time in Government. This amendment will prevent our people from being discriminated against, prevent travel disadvantages, and assist people struggling with medical issues which research has proven that this plant can treat and in some cases cure severe diseases.
    I applaud you OBA, and if you make this a reality this will be a signature in your time in Government.

  22. Bigger Picture says:

    ALL THINGS THAT GROW OUT OF THE GROUND, ie “GOD”-GIVEN,ie NATURALLY GROWING ON THIS EARTH BEFORE WE HUMAN BEINGS EXISTED, SHOULD BE FREE FOR ALL TO CONSUME RESPONSIBLY!
    We have an endocannabinoid system therefore we are hard wired to have some sort of relationship with this plant if we need to. Research hemp oil NOT hemp seed oil which has been proven to cure cancer! Why isn’t this common knowledge you ask? Because we live in a world where pharmaceutical companies want to see profits and not healthy happy people. If you can grow what is arguably the best medicine (food, fuel, raw material..) in your back yard, certain peoples pockets become lighter than they can handle.
    WELL DONE BDA GOVERNMENT for at least putting this topic on the table! Why not just hurry up and legalise it?! Educate yourself and your people in regards to the harms it can cause (eg no smoking before AT LEAST age 16). The world is slowly heading that way for all to see…we might as well be bold enough to lead the way!

    • Come Correct says:

      There was also a study done where radiation treatment burns were healed faster and better by using hemp oil.

  23. Dare to Know says:

    I especially agree with “Tommy Chongs” comments above. We need to educate ourselves and think outside of the so-called box that is western society. The older generations were fed lies! Soon it will be common knowledge that outlawing this plant is a detrimental and idiotic idea. Science must prevail! All those who oppose this plant bring your few sheets of evidence saying marijuana causes harm- no doubt it will if used incorrectly or abused. There is a mountain of research concluding that there are numerous benefits to gain from marijuana.

    We should all know google is a good place to get started when learning about something, so all you doubters dont be scurred and get typing…

    Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Rick Simpson- hemp oil, NORML (documentary: “A Norml life”), documentary “Weed: Dr Sanjay Gupta”,…I could go on as I’m sure other enlightened people could. Narrow-mindedness is a horrible disease but a nothing like a good dose of TRUTH to clear it up.

  24. Triangle Drifter says:

    Sooooo….which burner are they going to put it on? The back burner, the front burner or the one that the UBP & PLP used? The one that does not work at all. More talk about talking with nothing to show. We shall see.

  25. Dreads says:

    C’mon Minister Dunkley, decriminilisation of herb is a good thing and will convince more voters to vote for the OBA,just do it!

    • Come Correct says:

      This should have nothing to do with winning votes and everything to do with what is right for this islands people.

  26. Sigh says:

    PLP should have been the ones to abolish the draft and make herb legal. PLP should be the ones to get the prase from tourism boost. i feel like giving PLP a ringing slap to wake them up. When they was block from abolish the draft they should have know UOBAP was up to somthing. now its going to be hard to get them out unless PLP can exspose how UOBAP blocked the PLP move to abolish the draft so they can do it themselfs. The building chains to hold them in power. Now I bet only the upperclass are going to be the only one to benifit from the herb tourism money. PLP should have did it and put it into the hands of the People. This has to be an inside job things seem so setup.

  27. Mr. Meoff says:

    Legalize it, don’t criticize it, legalize it, yeah yeah, and I will advertise it.

    Peter Tosh

  28. Sara says:

    NEWs FLASH smoking is bad for you! good grief you all can we all just move on from that. Cigs are perfectly legal and guess what YOU SMOKE THEM. That has nothing to do with marijuana prohibition and doesn’t sway the direction one way or another.

    • sage says:

      Anyone remember the old “one joint is more harmful than ten cigarettes”? Typical b@#$%^*t from the anti herb ganjaphobes,cancer sticks should be viewed as a form of genocide if the death stats are even remotely accurate and i challenge any one of you delusional drug hysteria adherents to prove even one fatality caused by smoking herb since man started to walk upright.Also if you feel so strongly that herb should remain illegal how in the hell aren’t you calling for cigarettes and alcohol to be immediately banned.Didn’t you read that our children start drinking (the liquor you store up at home)at the age of seven and more than 90% of road fatalities are caused by alcohol?Let me go light up a fattie as my duty to protest unjust laws and cramp and paralyze the hypocrits!!

  29. THE ENEMY SPEAKS says:

    the govt has put many Bermudians thru untold suffering over this plant. the govt has blatantly lied to and deceived the people, even when they knew they were wrong. these lies have seriously discredited the govt in the eyes of the people and have made cannabis even stronger in our culture. it is time for the govt to surrender the lost war and legalize the cultivation and use of cannabis in Bermuda. the govt faught this war for over 30 years, duped by gangs , smugglers, corruption and corporate interests why? because bermudas govt has a history of not listening to their own people. WAKE UP OBA, WE THE BERMUDA PEOPLE ARE GOING TO WIN ANYWAY. WE WANT CULTIVATION AND LEGALIZATION. THE GOVT LOST THE WAR, WE WILL ACCEPT ONLY UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER BY STRIKING ALL MENTION OF CANNABIS OFF THE MISUSE OF DRUGS ACT. NO LAWS AT ALL ARE BETTER THAN YOURS

  30. How and where can we incarcerate all the brain-damaged, medieval, pea-brained, superstitious morons who bought into all of the Josef Goebbels-style lying, propaganda, and disinformation which was applied to the very healthy medicine (marijuana, of course), thus starting a witch hunt war created by the likes of W.R. Hearst, H.J. Anslinger, Nixon, and Reagan/Bush. These people and others like them have created this insane environment that we now have which was built on vicious and malicious lies and evil intent against one of the most important and healthy human medicines on planet Earth. The U.S.A. wrongfully and unjustly punishes the people who wisely defied, and continue to defy, this ruinous and disgusting prohibition in which billions upon billions of dollars continue to be wasted with nothing to show for these efforts, except blasphemous damage to our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and the lives of people who seek to promote health with this healthy substance that God saw fit to put on every continent on the Earth. Was God mistaken and is the D.E.A. smarter than the Almighty? A sane person knows this answer. It is simple. What has 40 years of intensified marijuana prohibition gotten the U.S.A.? We now have serious and possibly irreversible damage to our American society, and we have helped corrupt the Countries to the south who are building armies of narco-terrorists who threaten the stability of this hemisphere. Cops hate prohibition, but if they go public with their opinions, they will be ostracized, punished and worse by the willfully ignorant prohibitionist scum.