What do you think the prospects are for drug policy reform under Obama?

[bluestateguy]

I don't mean legalization: that position is politically unsustainable, even though I ultimately favor legalization. I mean a policy that will stress treatment and rehabilitation for non-violent offenders rather than punishment and prisons. Obama talks about eliminating government programs that don't work. I can't think of a better example than incarcerating non-violent drug offenders.

[Warren Stupidity]

1. Medical marijuana states will stop be persecuted. nt.

[Fly by night]

4. Obama might bring us the "change we can believe in" re: medical marijuana

Here are four paragraphs from a letter I just sent Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico. I believe that states like New Mexico (actually, I think New Mexico would be the BEST state) that prepare for a "cease-fire" from the feds re: medical cannabis and perhaps even prepare for opportunities to study and utilize this plant to the utmost for its Goddess-given purposes could, with President Obama's support, make a seismic transformation in medical cannabis policy. Again, here's what I said to Governor Richardson:
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"Barack Obama has been very clear about his position toward medical cannabis: “I think the basic concept that using medical marijuana in the same way, with the same controls, as other drugs prescribed by doctors, I think that's entirely appropriate.” Senator Obama has given states like New Mexico a clear signal and it is incumbent that your state prepare for his Presidency by developing a fully integrated medical cannabis production/distribution system that is sufficient to meet this challenge.

"What that will require is a state program that utilizes the resources and expertise available from several different state agencies (Health, Agriculture, Public Safety) and that transforms the governmental culture which now exists in your state around this issue from a grudging and obstructive passive aggressiveness to a fully coordinated, cooperative and supportive position.

"Rather than requiring that your medical cannabis program operate in isolation (and with little visible support within the NMDOH where it is housed), I would recommend a cooperative program which utilizes the resources available from other state agencies to further this program. For example, I would work closely with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to develop grow operations at some (if not all) of the state’s agriculture experiment stations. (The Sustainable Agriculture experiment station at Alcalde would be an ideal setting to begin this effort.)

"I would also work with the New Mexico Pharmacy Board to develop mechanisms for making medical cannabis available through pharmacies across the state as soon as patients need it, in the same fashion as with any other controlled substance now available by prescription. In addition, I would work with the NM Department of Public Safety to develop security procedures for the above operations and for all other aspects of your medical cannabis program."
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Here's hoping that common-sense, compassionate and competent withdrawals from our "drug war" quagmire will happen under President Obama. That is some serious change that we've needed for seventy years. The lifetime of one old man.

GOBAMA

[liberalpragmatist]

2. He has talked in the past about shifting resources to treatment

I could see that kind of policy change occurring in an Obama WH. There will also likely be tolerance for states' medical marijuana legalizations.

However, I doubt decriminalization will occur -- Obama has in the past supported that but since recanted. Also, Biden is a big proponent of the war on drugs.

Given the financial crisis, the energy crisis, the foreign policy situation and the health care situation, I (unfortunately) doubt that Obama, who strikes me as someone who very prudently picks his battles, will expend much political capital on drug policy reform other than shifting resources away from prison to treatment.

[bertman]

3. Ultimately it will depend on US. If we grassroots Democrats demand reform and work for it,

it could happen. Which is true of many progressive reforms we need.

[PretzelWarrior]

5. about #120 on his list

it might make agenda in a second term once he's reelected.

[Wizard777]

6. I think legalization is sustainable if put to a referendum.

Here in Maryland we will be voting on a Constitutional amendment to legalize the illegal vice of gambling. :think: So hey! Why not a referendum on a Constitutional amendment legalizing marijuana? I don't think the slots amendment will pass here in Maryland. But I do think a marijuana amendment will pass. Maryland is the first state to legislatively pass a medical marijuana bill. All the other states have done it through referendum. Once we have the Constitutional right to even the recreational use of marijuana. Any action by the fed against Marijuana users would be an act of "war" (their word not ours)against the sovereignty of the State of Maryland. Maryland could charge the fed with treason. Other states could do this as well. Personally I think I'll see Marijuana legalized in my lifetime and I'm 76.