Starting from the back of the printed paper today, and I will be working in other piles and items as the day progresses. Big blog day, big Globe throwaway day.
"Portland police won’t honor marijuana referendum" by David Sharp | Associated Press, December 07, 2013
PORTLAND, Maine — A new law legalizing marijuana for recreational use went into effect Friday in Maine’s largest city, providing a symbolic victory that marijuana advocates intend to use as a springboard to a statewide law.
One can already sense the bias against seeing as there is symbolism that seems to mean something (some agenda-pushing issue like Israeli-Palestinian peace) and then symbolism like this (and the Iran nuclear deal) that never seems to mean much, with the placement at the bottom of page B12 only springboarding my suspicion.
The city ordinance makes it legal for adults to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, but police officers will continue to enforce state law that makes possession of up to 2.5 ounces a civil violation.
Mayor Michael Brennan said there were only 54 marijuana citations in the past year, reflecting the low priority that police officers place on the offenses. He expects the numbers will drop further.
‘‘We believe police will continue as they have in using discretion in enforcing marijuana laws,’’ he said.
Marijuana advocates want the Police Department to follow the lead of Jackson, Mich., where they say police are taking a hands-off approach following passage of a similar ordinance.
That is so refreshing to see from police. They could definitely help their image with more of that, and not just regarding weed. Stop killing and beating people across this country every damn day.
‘‘We hope that city officials respect the will of the voters,’’ said David Boyer, Maine political director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “If not, we’ll try to make sure they do. That’s our stance.”
City voters passed the referendum 67 percent to 33 percent, making Portland the first East Coast city to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The city ordinance makes it legal for people 21 and older to possess marijuana, but not to purchase or to sell it. It remains illegal to use pot in public.
State Representative Diane Russell, a supporter of legalizing marijuana, said she is disappointed that the Legislature will not be considering a similar statewide proposal in January.
But she said it is inevitable that others will follow the lead of Portland. Possession of marijuana is legal in Colorado and Washington state.
And there is money to be made off that $moke.
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I wonder where Portlanders purchased those pipes.
I know I have a lot of clippings and notes regarding marijuana in Massachusetts but I keep forgetting to post them and keep putting them off. Go figure.
