DECRIMINALIZATION EFFORT A GOOD FIRST STEP

Lest there be any confusion, NORML strongly favors marijuana
legalization over decriminalization. period.

Instructively, an eye-popping 73 percent of Americans surveyed
support decriminalizing cannabis, while only 42 percent support
outright legalization. So while we build support for the ultimate
goal of legalization, it's also important to support efforts at
decriminalization, like HR 2943, the act to remove federal penalties
for the personal use of marijuana by responsible adults, reintroduced
in Congress this June by co-sponsors Barney Frank, D-Mass., and Ron
Paul, R-Texas.

If passed, HR 2943 would eliminate federal penalties for personal
possession of up to 100 grams (over 3.5 ounces) of cannabis, as well
as for the nonprofit transfer of up to one ounce, making prosecution
(if any) for these acts strictly a state matter.

Currently, 13 states with a combined population of over 115 million
citizens have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of
cannabis. In 2007, over 872,000 citizens nationwide were arrested on
cannabis-related charges, 90 percent for possession only.

Thankfully, many hundreds of thousands of our brethren who live in
decriminalized states face a fine-only citation and are usually on
their way after their police encounter, rather than being dragged off
to America's drug gulags. For more information about state cannabis
laws and lobbying Congress in favor of HR 2943, go to www.norml.org
or call (202) 483-5500.

Buster Jones

Albany