'Marijuana prohibition is going to end, the only question is when'
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EUGENE, Ore. - Measure 80, the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, didn't pass in Oregon - but supporters say it's not the end.
"Marijuana prohibition is going to end, the only question is when," says Measure 80 supporter James Greig.
Smoking marijuana for medicinal reasons became legal in the state of Oregon in 1998 and Measure 80 would have taken the law a step further. Although the law fell short in here in Oregon, similar bills passed in Washington and Colorado. Many think those states will set the tone.
"I hope it stimulates a conversation at the national level," adds Greig.
With Washington voting to legalize marijuana, the day when Oregonians can take a short trip north on Interstate 5 to get marijuana legally is not so far away.
So what does law enforcement think about that?
"It may or may not bring more into the state or not. It doesn't really matter to us, we are just going to continue to do what we've been doing," say Sgt. Alan Gilbert with Oregon State Police.
That means enforcing the law.
"You can not possess it. Depending on the amount, where its less than an ounce, it's a violation or it's more than an ounce, which becomes a crime. We are going to enforce it just like we have in the past," adds Sgt. Gilbert.
Obviously Sgt Gilbert has WAY too much time and money(paying his and other troopers' salaries) in the OSP budget. I remember last session complaining their budget was too small, and they could not afford to cut back like the rest of the state. Threatening to curtail "services", like in parts of rural Oregon not having a trooper to respond (to, for example, a car wreck) at all during late night shifts. It is simply a matter of priorities, plain and simple. I frequently see several Oregon State Police patroling I 5 and I 205 in areas where local (city, sheriff) could cover adequately, and utilizing these resources elsewhere would make far better sense. It would also make far better sense to utilize resources for priorities other than cannabis.
Legalization will never pass in Oregon because it would put too many part time/ small amount dealers dealers out of business.
I volunteer at schools, I read to children who have no access to books, I organize fundraisers for the PTA, I write grants for new technology, I work full time, I am raising a very intelligent child who is at the top of their class. I cook, I clean, I write and follow a family budget, I work with the local scouts... oh and I smoke out at night. Not everyone is a total moron stoner. Some of us live our lives and then smoke just like some people have a beer or a glass of wine.Â
I honestly have to wonder with many of the comments here. Do you have any idea how many people you know that smoke pot and still work 40 hours a week, go home, cook dinner, pay their bills, pay their taxes, and do the same things you do? What is it you all fear so much with pot? It is not a gateway drug. It does not even have side effects near to what alcohol have.Â
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Continuing to have marijuana illegal costs tax payers so much more then it would if it were legal. Who do you think pays to house those in prison for smoking pot? For growing pot? Honestly you should be outraged that our prisons and county jails are used to house pot heads while real criminals....you know murderers and child molesters are allowed to get out early. Honestly if you prefer to have the real criminals out on the streets then quit your whining. Real low life's who are a waste of space and energy are all around you all the time yet our justice system is more concerned with the multi billion dollar war on drugs then protecting the people from rapists and thieves.
Maybe most of the pot heads will move out of Oregon now.
 @PEANUT Wouldn't be nice if all the alcoholics and prescription drug users moved out of Oregon too? But, then we would not have much of a population......
hopefully it will end when they tax the heck out of pot just like they do alcohol and tabacco, but if the pot heads cant wait then maybe they should all move to the states that its legal to be a waste of lifeÂ
 @quasimodo People like you who hate life and worship death are like a cancer growing in society. We will excise you and cast you out. There will be no mercy, for we will not allow dangerous murderers to skulk in our midst.
@quasimodo Give me a break.Waste of life? Really. I know many professionals that smoke pot.Look at all of these wastes of life. http://coedmagazine.com/2009/02/06/the-10-most-successful-potheads-on-the-planet-cool-enough-to-admit-it/