Study: Arrests For Marijuana Offenses Increasing In Many States

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Former NORML director and Shenandoah University professor Jon Gettman,

Ph.D has just published a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of

cannabis arrests in the United States.

The report highlights some upward trends in marijuana-related arrests, and

lots of interesting charts that help activists, media, policy makers and

general public know about the huge scope and expense of trying to maintain

criminal sanctions on marijuana possession and commerce, notably when:

1) The American public no longer supports cannabis prohibition (58%

support legalization according to Gallup).

2) Over half the states have reformed their cannabis laws in one form or

another, with the states of Colorado and Washington mightily deviating

from the federal prohibition by establishing tax-n-regulate policies.

3) Voters in states like Oregon, Alaska and Florida will likely further

push down the federal prohibition by passing substantive reform

initiatives at the ballot box this fall.

Since the the late 1980s Dr. Gettman has published numerous reports and

analysis on cannabis arrests, and this most recent review and analysis

only adds to an already impressive body of work in the field.

To view executive summary and new arrest report, click here.

The Right Way To Legalize Marijuana (No, We’ve Been Doing It Wrong)

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CALIFORNIA:  Mark Kleiman is out this week with the single most comprehensive look at the trend toward legalizing pot you’re likely to find. He doesn’t spend much space on the pros and cons of legalization–almost anyone can tick those off on the fingers of both hands–but on the right way to do it, and the wrong way.

Short version: Colorado and Washington are doing it the wrong way, and the federal government’s hands-off approach isn’t making things any better. [Read more…]

Legal Pot Coming Soon? 50-State Marijuana Law Roundup

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The march towards good sense and marijuana freedom continues apace. To give a glimpse of what’s in store for 2014, here’s a 50-state guide to legislation and ballot measures that are in the works thus far this year.

By my count, 13 states may follow Colorado and Washington State’s lead and legalize recreational use—either at the ballot box or in state capitols. Medical marijuana is on the table in 16 states. Five states may decriminalize possession, replacing criminal penalties with civil fines.

Of the 20 states that do not have a push underway this year, 12 have already OK’d medical marijuana or decriminalization. Additionally, activists in at least three states with nothing currently underway are organizing 2016 initiative drives.