Jimmy Carter: Marijuana Legalization Is Smart, Imprisonment For Possession Is Out Of Control

[marmar]

(Huffington Post) Former President Jimmy Carter gave a full-throated endorsement of state efforts to legalize marijuana during an appearance at a CNN forum aired on Tuesday.

Carter, who as president supported an era of marijuana decriminalization in the mid-1970s, told CNN's Suzanne Malveaux that he was "in favor" of states that were taking steps to legalize the drug.

"I think it’s OK,” Carter said. “I don’t think it’s going to happen in Georgia yet, but I think we can watch and see what happens in the state of Washington for instance, around Seattle, and let the American government and let the American people see does it cause a serious problem or not.”

Voters in both Washington and Colorado approved ballot initiatives last month legalizing and taxing marijuana. The governors in those states have signed both measures into law, but marijuana reform advocates remain concerned that federal law, which still considers the substance illegal under the Controlled Substances Act, could lead to complications if federal authorities decide to continue with frequent raids of dispensaries and other marijuana-related operations. ..................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/12/jimmy-carter-marijuana_n_2283989.html

[malaise]

1. I love Jimmy Carter

He's one of the wisest men alive

[marmar]

2. Agreed. He's the only president for whom my respect has grown post-presidency.

nt

[rock]

3. I agree, Legalization Is Smart

I wonder what the government is gonna do?

[MagickMuffin]

4. I'm glad his views has changed because . . . . . .

I went to one of his book signs years ago and decided to give him a copy of "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" by Jack Herer. I gave a quick synopsis of the hemp and its benefits. At that time he was not very responsive. I left the book in a bin and proceeded to leave, feeling a little bit disappointed in the exchange.

So, I am very thrilled he has changed his mind.

[farminator3000]

5. he was certainly different from Nixon! read this, it's hilarious- "buggier than a flophouse blanket"

http://www.mapinc.org/newscsdp/v02/n520/a08.html

JUST WHAT WAS HE SMOKING?

by Gene Weingarten,
21 Mar 2002
Washington Post

Now that the latest tapes from the Nixon White House have been released, the press is all over them with characteristic glee, eager as always to remind us that not long ago the leader of the free world was buggier than a flophouse blanket. Don't you get tired of this?

Me neither. So when researcher Doug McVay from Common Sense for Drug Policy sent me tapes he culled from Nixon's Oval Office rants about drugs, I pounced on them. I figured it would be a welcome respite from Nixon's recent rants about Jews.

From the Weed Screed, May 26, 1971:

"You know, it's a funny thing, every one of the bastards that are out for legalizing marijuana is Jewish. What the Christ is the matter with the Jews, Bob? What is the matter with them? I suppose it is because most of them are psychiatrists."

In my professional capacity, I diagnose a delusional state of mind. It's simple logic: In a previously released rant, Nixon and Billy Graham gnash and froth over how Jews control the media. How can most Jews be psychiatrists and still control the media? Nixon does not explain.