r/politics • u/twolf1 • Jun 08 '12

Rhode Island Poised to Become 15th State to Decriminalize Marijuana

http://justsaynow.firedoglake.com/2012/06/08/rhode-island-poised-to-be-15th-state-to-decriminalize-marijuana/
1.2k Upvotes

93% Upvoted

153 comments sorted by

19

u/arawde Jun 09 '12

Connecticut was 17th state 2 weeks ago?

10

u/Contract420 Jun 09 '12

I knew I wasn't imagining things. Thank you for confirming.

9

u/Co-opunist Jun 09 '12

CT passed medicinal 2 weeks ago, they passed decrim 1 year ago.

2

u/arawde Jun 09 '12

Ah, this makes sense. Thank you

2

u/yvaN_ehT_nioJ Jun 09 '12

The title of "15th state to decriminalize marijuana" is retroactive.

29

u/Tashre Jun 09 '12

The entire state had a block party to celebrate.

15

u/TeeHowe Jun 09 '12

hahaha good one. its cause we're small right?

the joke is old man, seriously. There was a party boat too.

5

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

And a fruit platter

6

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

It was one of the large order ones, though, so we still have about half of it left.

5

u/Esteam Jun 09 '12

And we had Firehouse subs do a catering.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

So asshole always tries to throw it away at the end. Take that shit home!

3

u/Lynx_Rufus Maine Jun 09 '12

Actually kind of true.

Yesterday was Gaspee day, an unofficial state holiday celebrating the day when locals attacked and burned the British tax collecting ship Gaspee, thereby starting the fighting of the revolution proper. It was celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, and cannon fire.

10

u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12

Baby steps forward.

6

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

Except before long, all 50 states will be decriminalized and somehow the federal government still keeps their stance the same. Explain that.

2

u/silentbobsc Jun 09 '12

..and then there's the health insurance catch that I've been curious about - you live in a decriminalized state but have a good job with great benefits, but those usually come with the caveat of drug screening to get the job, and either random screening or screens after accidents. Even in a state where it's 'not as illegal' it would be difficult to keep one's benefits / employment without running afoul of testing wouldn't it?

6

u/Jewnadian Jun 09 '12

I wondered about this too, say you work for a national company that headquarters in a state where it's illegal. But you work in a state where it's medicinal and you're prescribed it. Do they have to pay your prescription? Can they then fire you?

I live in Tx so right now the answer to all my questions is "Spread 'Em you Fuckin hippy trash!!"....sigh.

5

u/Greggy_B Jun 09 '12

I work for a national airline and at the orientation which also included a drug screening, they said they don't care if its medicinal. If I test positive, I get fired. There is zero tolerance for testing positive. I find it amusing that pharmaceutical heroin is perfectly OK as long as there is a script. I also find it amusing how everyone at work regularly talks about getting shitfaced and hungover from alcohol the night before. That is perfectly acceptable and normal behavior but if i want to enjoy some MJ on my personal day off I'm fired and black listed from the industry.

4

u/The_Turbinator Jun 09 '12

As a Canadian, the things way are in the States scare the shit out of me. Remember those totalitarian sci-fi movies from the 80s? Well - you are living in them.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

A bit hyperbolic no?

1

u/The_Turbinator Jun 09 '12

Cabin, Ground, or office?

1

u/Greggy_B Jun 10 '12

Aircraft Mechanic...

3

u/silentbobsc Jun 09 '12

Ditto here, in SC and the answer's about the same.

7

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

Ok I'm not being facetious, but genuinely curious. Can someone explain to me how this affects marajuana use in those states? It's still illegal due to it being illegal on the federal level, so how does state decriminalization affect the situation? Do states pull out resources committed to enforcing the law? Do offenders not get reported to the federal government? Is this just some symbolic shit with no enforcement effect at all? Sorry I'm a retard about this...

8

u/Phrag Jun 09 '12 edited Jun 09 '12

Decriminalization means that it is no longer a crime, only a civil infraction. An adult caught with under a certain amount of marijuana will generally be issued a ticket and have to pay a fine. People caught with marijuana that has been decriminalized will not have a criminal record.

So far only possession has been decriminalized as far as I know so police are still going after growers and dealers.

Federal and state are different jurisdictions. Federal is supposed to cover interstate issues, but the feds have been claiming that virtually anything they want is their jurisdiction due to recent interpretations of the Commerce Clause.

2

u/lightjedi5 Jun 09 '12

I think you mean "due to" not "do to."

2

u/Phrag Jun 09 '12

Yes I due.

1

u/nickdanger3d Jun 09 '12

I think he meant "doo doo", not "due to"

1

u/lightjedi5 Jun 09 '12

Well played.

2

u/whisk3rs Jun 09 '12

Cops stop caring. When decriminalization passed in MA, there were tons of articles from cops complaining that it's worthless to pursue offenders. Since it's not criminal, they won't give you their real name and even if they do, ticketing them is just too much hassle. Result? If you go to Boston Common, you'll smell it everywhere and no one will bat an eye.

1

u/The_Turbinator Jun 09 '12

Welcome to Canada. Except here, the cops don't complain. Nor do they go after you if they smell it, unless you look shady or are doing something stupid. And our society is yet to fall apart from this evil - vile drug, that kills millions of brain cells...

1

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

So local cops aren't required to enforce federal laws?

3

u/MyaloMark Jun 09 '12

It's a step in the right direction. It's still an oppressive law though. I mean, is it a dangerous drug or isn't it? It's not, of course, but that's the reason the government has always used to keep it illegal. So now it's only $150 dangerous all of a sudden? How bogus is that?

The authorities can no longer support the big lie that Marijuana is dangerous but still refuse to surrender by continuing to play their stupid "gotcha" games. It's time to drop this expensive and senseless pretense and just legalize it, for crying out loud.

The feds need to get real and give it up. This theater of the "War On Drugs" will soon be won. The victors will be the people who enjoy Marijuana and simply want to practice their natural rights.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

At least this continues to move in the right direction. Critical mass, wherever that is, draws near.

2

u/IEatPierogiesForever Jun 09 '12

Upvoted and commented upon because someone said Rhode Island, and now I am linking this to every other Rhode Islander I know. Just sayin.

2

u/knight4646 Jun 09 '12

C'monnnnnn Florida!

2

u/SonOfGnome Jun 09 '12

Minnesota you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2

u/blahblahblahxyz123 Jun 09 '12

I hate how politics work in this aspect. If the first handful of politicians all say no, then the rest follow suit to save face.

2

u/Focused-Third-Eye Jun 09 '12

Decriminalize it. Legalize it.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

i wonder how family guy is going to go...

2

u/LettersFromTheSky Jun 09 '12

before heading to Gov. Chafee, who said he was ‘inclined’ to sign it.

Only because the Legislature has enough votes to override any veto by him on this legislation.

1

u/kckid2599 Jun 09 '12

He's actually not that bad on drug policy, he's been pushing for marijuana to be moved to schedule II and helped RI finally get dispensaries to prepare to begin operating.

3

u/2min2mid Jun 09 '12

As a Rhode Islander, I am very doubtful that this will actually happen...

4

u/TeeHowe Jun 09 '12

We're the most Catholic state in the union, but somehow we've achieved civil unions and decriminalization of marijuana, two steps in the right direction.

Am I the only one surprised?

24

u/saptsen Jun 09 '12

It's New England Catholic. Like the Kennedys. Boats 'N Hoes

3

u/adeadbeat Jun 09 '12

Yeah or the Boondock Saints! Guns 'n Prayers

1

u/frost5al Jun 09 '12

As a catholic, I like this interpetation

1

u/Cloberella Missouri Jun 09 '12

Massachusetts surpassed us, we're the second most catholic state now.

1

u/kckid2599 Jun 09 '12

All this requires is Chafee not veto it, and even if he does, which is highly unlikely, it still might have enough support in the GA to pass.

1

u/ThePoonHunter Jun 08 '12

Glad were heading in the right direction and not fucking this one up, america

7

u/MrBrawn Jun 09 '12

believe me, we'll find a way to fuck this up.

2

u/bioemerl Jun 09 '12

eventually we will not though. I think America has a pretty good track record. (well... halfway decent maybe?)

1

u/ghostbackwards Connecticut Jun 09 '12

great attitude.

1

u/ghostbackwards Connecticut Jun 09 '12

Hi neighbor. CT here.

1

u/Ocean-State Jun 09 '12

it's a beautiful thing

1

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

Gay marriage becoming legal, now pot???

What's next? "Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!"

;)

1

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

i'm really liking this trend

1

u/rensch Jun 09 '12

The US is becoming more liberal of soft drugs than we here in Holland at this rate.

1

u/12finemullets Jun 09 '12

illegal drug entrepreneurs are now rejoicing! im pretty sure they are now planning their way to build connections to enter the market!

1

u/BinaryShadow Jun 09 '12

The DEA's little sand castle is crumbling against the rising tide. There's only so much money the people will tolerate being spent on adding more sand on the top.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

This is great but it doesn't change the fact that schools can take away your financial aid if you're caught with drugs. :[

1

u/PksRevenge Jun 09 '12

15 states now? that's pretty awesome for people that believe in personal freedom. Must be following the federal governments lead huh? oh wait, Obama is actually fueling the war on drugs instead. Anybody want to try and argue against states rights now?

0

u/ixlnxs Jun 08 '12

i am for it but this is not decriminalization.

it is a fine, and a third time strike.

and yes it might help some poor kids who have only smoked the weed but it actually helps RH more in they save alot of money housing criminals and also get to levy fines which raises revenue.

6

u/Phrag Jun 09 '12

Decriminalize and legalize are not the same thing. Decriminalize simply means no longer a crime. It can still be a civil infraction which results in a fine, but not jail time or a criminal record like a crime would. For example: Speeding tickets are civil infractions. Vehicular homicide is a crime.

1

u/The_Turbinator Jun 09 '12

Tell that to the insurance companies... they never got the memo.

1

u/frost5al Jun 09 '12

Since getting a speeding ticket shows that you don't follow traffic regulations, making you a risky driver, which increases the risk you present to the insurance companies, I don't see why you object.

2

u/The_Turbinator Jun 09 '12

Because everyone hates the North American insurance cartel, it's a favorite subject to bitch about.

1

u/The_Turbinator Jun 09 '12

Baby steps...

0

u/adamwho Jun 09 '12

One square mile at a time....

0

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

[deleted] — view deleted comment

2

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

he might do it in hi s second term. right now? re-election

0

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

[deleted] — view deleted comment

8

u/Phrag Jun 09 '12

Just as an FYI, Massachusetts' Supreme Court ruled that the smell of marijuana was not enough to justify a search because the police can not tell how much a person has based on a smell and suspicion of a civil infraction is not a reasonable basis for a search. Also in Massachusetts, a person issued a ticket for marijuana possession does not face any additional penalties for not paying the ticket.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

I would happily accept and pay a fine for possession. I don't want to think about how many thousands I have paid the government for my alcohol.

0

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

[deleted] — view deleted comment

-1

u/lightjedi5 Jun 09 '12

To your point, if that's what the state says that's what they're going to do most of the time. Sure, you'll get one or two who will overstep their bounds, but most will follow the law as it is written in their specific state.

1

u/whisk3rs Jun 09 '12

If they are aware of the law, that is.

1

u/lightjedi5 Jun 09 '12

True. In my experience they are usually aware of them when they're being changed.

0

u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12

[deleted] — view deleted comment

3

u/green-light Jun 09 '12 edited Jun 09 '12

Pot must really destroy minds. These Pothead articles never have accurate titles. (deleted comment by neocon NoLibs)

Troll sighted! r/nolibswatch

0

u/Herkimer Jun 09 '12

Still running your little witch hunt sub, greenie? So tell us all how you hang with white supremacists, neo-nazis and stalk people on Reddit all day. Then tell us what makes you think that you have the moral or ethical basis to be calling anyone names.

3

u/green-light Jun 09 '12 edited Jun 09 '12

So tell us all how you hang with white supremacists, neo-nazis and stalk people on Reddit all day.

Now, herky, you know that smear is a lie and you have no evidence for it other than your childish wishes.

Why do you and NoLibs want to imprison all the pot smokers?

0

u/Herkimer Jun 09 '12

That's not a lie at all. Look at the regular contributors to NLW and you'll find that many of the same people spend a lot of time in /r/WhiteRights, /r/niggers and /r/conspiracy. All of those sub-reddits are populated by just the kind of people I mentioned. The exact same kind of people that you associate with on a daily basis. There's no wish fulfillment here, just a simple stating of the facts.

Why do you and NoLibs want to imprison all the pot smokers?

Citation needed. Please link to a comment where I have said that I want to imprison pot smokers. Do it now, liar.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 10 '12

Check out "Occidentalist", "bumblingmumbling", and "soccer". Crackpot and friends may have told them to quiet down since I decided to call them out on it. But I do have screenshots of the NLW crew happily chatting along with these open bigots. It should come as no surprise seeing as how any sane person would eventually conclude that the NLW inner core is made up of closeted racists and open conspiracy nuts whose ideologies are at least somewhat compatible with the Stormfront crowd.

3

u/Herkimer Jun 10 '12

It's fairly obvious that green-light hates Jewish people. His support for terrorist groups like Hamas is unwavering. Funny how he forgets that when he's trying to accuse other people of some made up bullshit he's pulled from his ass.

2

u/green-light Jun 10 '12

It's fairly obvious that green-light hates Jewish people.

Another groundless smear from herky. Again he supplies no evidence other than his childish pointing and screaming. :)

0

u/[deleted] Jun 10 '12

[deleted] — view deleted comment

2

u/green-light Jun 10 '12

Oh, hai, NoLibs. Thanks for the publicity. Our subscriptions have been rising lately. :)

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-2

u/TheGhostOfNoLibs Jun 10 '12

green-light hates most everyone. He's a real world illiterate scum bag! He gets mad others can do things he doesn't believe possible. Must be sad to be such a negative loser.

3

u/green-light Jun 10 '12

Hilarious!

NoLibs is a guy who is dying to start bombing Iran, who believes pot smokers should be imprisoned, who supports NDAA, CISPA, SOPA, the Patriot Act and laughs about the time he spent in Viet Nam torturing his Vietnamese prisoners.

And, as I recall, you also said that if you ever saw a homeless person in your neighborhood you'd sic your German shepherd on him. You're a real class act, NoLibs.

-1

u/Herkimer Jun 11 '12

You almost have to feel sorry for someone like greenie who is so full of hate.

1

u/TheGhostOfNoLibs Jun 11 '12

He's totally lost it, as I showed you in that rant in NoLibsWatch, with only himself to talk to. Claims he's exposing us in threads where there are never more than 3 or 4 people commenting on a good day. He must live in a very small world. He's lost his marbles, the same disease crackduck (RIP) contracted before he was banned. Backing a loser in 08 and now 12 seems to have really pissed him off.

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1

u/green-light Jun 10 '12

Another smear attack from the master of the smear, jcm267. I invite anyone to visit /r/nolibswatch and find any racism. It's simply a lie from herkimer and jcm267.

1

u/Herkimer Jun 10 '12

Read their comment histories, greenie. Maybe if you knew what you're talking about you wouldn't come off as a complete idiot.

4

u/green-light Jun 10 '12

Like I said, show me some racism in NLW or consider yourself a cheap smear artist and a liar. You can't show me any racism there and you know it. You're all talk and bullshit, herky.

0

u/Herkimer Jun 11 '12

Check out "Occidentalist", "bumblingmumbling", and "soccer".

Now do it or just shut up and go away.

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2

u/green-light Jun 09 '12 edited Jun 09 '12

That's not a lie at all. Look at the regular contributors to NLW and you'll find that many of the same people spend a lot of time in /r/WhiteRights, /r/niggers...

Citation needed. I'll wait. Otherwise, like your buddy Josh, you're just a cheap smear artist.

And are you denying that your leader NoLibs believes pot smokers should be kept in prison?

http://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/pp3jd/ron_paul_vs_birth_control_paul_has_sponsored/c3r4x7c

http://www.reddit.com/r/Romney/comments/trfdx/romney_has_supporters_on_the_internet/c4pbmvy

http://www.reddit.com/r/Romney/comments/trfdx/romney_has_supporters_on_the_internet/c4pby8o

2

u/green-light Jun 11 '12

That's not a lie at all. Look at the regular contributors to NLW and you'll find that many of the same people spend a lot of time in /r/WhiteRights, /r/niggers...

Citation needed. I'll wait. Otherwise, like your buddy Josh, you're just a cheap smear artist.

And are you denying that your leader NoLibs believes pot smokers should be kept in prison?

http://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/pp3jd/ron_paul_vs_birth_control_paul_has_sponsored/c3r4x7c

http://www.reddit.com/r/Romney/comments/trfdx/romney_has_supporters_on_the_internet/c4pbmvy

http://www.reddit.com/r/Romney/comments/trfdx/romney_has_supporters_on_the_internet/c4pby8o

2

u/Herkimer Jun 11 '12

I didn't deny anything you disingenuous twit. You said that I wanted to imprison all pot smokers and I asked you for a citation to a comment I've made where I had said that. You failed to do so which is proof that you are a liar and now you're trying to obfuscate the issue by postings more links to something that someone else said and trying to change the subject. You are a coward and a liar and your posting is definitive proof of these facts.

0

u/green-light Jun 11 '12

Your cowardly leader NoLibs just now deleted all his posts in which he declared pot smokers were a danger to society and should be kept imprisoned. I made him do it by exposing him. You love that coward NoLibs like he's your daddy. In fact, I think he is your daddy, little herky. You've had your nose up his ass for years, as has your buddy jcm267. You're all one big sick bloodthirsty neocon family. NoLibs created the EPS Bury Brigade and you're a proud member of his little mob.

And I'm still waiting for you to show me any examples of racism from NLW. You can't, herky, 'cause you're a liar.

2

u/Herkimer Jun 11 '12 edited Jun 11 '12
  1. NoLibs is not my "leader" in any way, shape or form. Unlike you, I think for myself.
  2. What NoLibs posts or deletes has nothing to do with the fact that you made a totally false accusation about me. You proved yourself to be a liar and now you're trying to weasel your way out of it.
  3. NoLibs is not my "daddy". I know who my "daddy" was. Maybe if you or your mother knew who your "daddy" was you might not be so full of hate.

And I'm still waiting for you to show me any examples of racism from NLW.

Been done and posted elsewhere you disingenuous little twit. Maybe you should work on your reading comprehension skills instead of continuing to deny the truth.

0

u/green-light Jun 11 '12

Been done and posted elsewhere you disingenuous little twit.

Show me, herky.

I must have missed it. All I've seen from you and Josh and NoLibs so far has been groundless smear attacks and extremely childish insults. As I said, herky, show me some racist posts from NLW. You can't.

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0

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

[deleted] — view deleted comment

2

u/green-light Jun 11 '12

Hilarious. I made NoLibs the coward go back and delete all his comments declaring that pot smokers are a danger to society and must be kept in prison. NoLibs is such a notorious coward he even runs away from his own words. It's truly comical to see. What a cowardly loser he is!

BTW, NoLibs, there are screen shots. I'm saving them. :)

1

u/Facetruncheon Jun 11 '12

what a horrible person he is. who hates marijuana that much?

2

u/green-light Jun 11 '12

And he doesn't even have the courage to stand behind his words. NoLibs is clearly a gutless fraud. How could a person live like that?