Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

eridani

(51,907 posts)
Tue Dec 29, 2015, 09:37 PM Dec 2015

2016 Will Be the Biggest Year Yet for Marijuana Policy Reform

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-kampia/2016-will-be-the-biggest-_b_8882012.html

Before voters have a chance to legalize marijuana in the five states mentioned above, Vermont could become the first state to legalize marijuana via the legislative process. We have strong allies in the state Senate, the House speaker is openly supportive, and Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) is a long-time supporter of various reform measures.

If a second state government legalizes marijuana this spring, it would be in Rhode Island.

As for decriminalizing the possession of marijuana, Illinois and New Hampshire are highly likely to do so this winter and spring, respectively. In the former state, Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) issued an "amendatory veto" of such a bill in August, so the legislature has retooled the bill to accommodate his concerns. In the latter state, the Senate stalled when Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) expressed her disapproval, but the overwhelming support for decriminalization in both legislative chambers could very well overcome her opposition -- and override her potential veto -- this spring.

Pennsylvania, which is the sixth-most-populous state, is by far the most likely to legalize medical marijuana in 2016, in part because Gov. Tom Wolf (D) is such a strong supporter, as are many Republican leaders in the legislature. If this occurs, Pennsylvania would become the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana.
5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
2016 Will Be the Biggest Year Yet for Marijuana Policy Reform (Original Post) eridani Dec 2015 OP
Well, that explains why some of our "inevitable" candidates do nothing but spout worn out drug war Warren DeMontague Dec 2015 #1
k&R !!!!!!!!!!!! n/t RKP5637 Dec 2015 #2
I hope you're right. Kath1 Dec 2015 #3
Give it 10 years, every state babylonsister Dec 2015 #4
I predict Wisconsin will be last. Scuba Dec 2015 #5

Warren DeMontague

(80,708 posts)
1. Well, that explains why some of our "inevitable" candidates do nothing but spout worn out drug war
Tue Dec 29, 2015, 09:41 PM
Dec 2015

Tropes while courting private prison lobbyist money, and our esteemed DNC chair votes to throw medical marijuana users in prison.

...or something.

babylonsister

(171,577 posts)
4. Give it 10 years, every state
Tue Dec 29, 2015, 10:23 PM
Dec 2015

will be legalized. There's too much money in it not to reform current policies.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Cannabis»2016 Will Be the Biggest ...