In the summer of 2010, just a few months before the November election, the odds of California's Proposition 19 passing seemed favorable. Officially known as the Regulate, Control & Tax Cannabis Act, the measure would have regulated marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol in The Golden State. Public support for the measure was polling around 56 percent at the time, and drug reform advocates were cautiously optimistic that marijuana legalization might finally become a reality in the U.S.'s most populous state.
Unfortunately, that high wouldn't last forever, and support for the ballot initiative took a nosedive in the month leading up to the election. One major factor that played a role in changing the mindsets of Californians in October was the U.S. attorney general's vow to continue enforcing federal laws against marijuana producers, sellers and consumers no matter the outcome of the November 2nd vote.
In an August 24th letter to the attorney general, nine former DEA Administrators urged Eric Holder to come out vocally against California's legalization measure. Holder regrettably heeded their advice, and in mid-October the DOJ boss responded to the retired DEA chiefs by stating that the Department of Justice was opposed to Proposition 19. In the aftermath of Holder's statements, public support for the initiative dwindled and many soon-to-be voters became apprehensive about the legalization measure. Hence, when Californians woke up on November 3rd, Prop. 19's opposition prevailed, and the production, sale and consumption of marijuana remained criminal violations under state law.
Now, two years later, the DEA's same nine elders are up to their old tricks again, though they're a little tardy this year as Holder only recently received their letter, on September 7th. It's important to note -- as we sit back and wait for the attorney general's response -- that the cards are stacked substantially differently this time around. There's obviously strength in numbers, and with three states (Colorado, Washington and Oregon) now set to vote on regulating cannabis on November 6, the DOJ's posturing and intimidation is being called into question more than ever.
It's worth mentioning that none of the nine former DEA administrators led the agency during such a tumultuous era of prohibition-fueled violence. Though Mexico's ramped-up drug war is approaching its six year anniversary, most of the 60,000-plus killings have occurred in just the past three years alone (with 2012 on track to be the deadliest year yet). I'm not attempting to undermine these officials, yet I am implying that they're either extremely out of touch with the reality behind marijuana prohibition's lethality, or else there are greater political factors at play uniting them against any and all measures by states to regulate cannabis. The latter is likely the case, which is disheartening considering the plant's illegality is the greatest driving force behind Mexico's senseless death toll.
As a former federal agent who worked on the border and enforced laws against marijuana trafficking, I know firsthand the destruction caused by these policies. In fact, this is one of the primary reasons I resigned and walked away from government. However, as a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) who recently escorted Mexican drug war victims (members of the Caravan for Peace with Justice and Dignity) on multiple stops across the United States, I now understand the failures and miseries of drug control policy more than ever. Marijuana prohibition is the foundation of the violence in Mexico, and who knows how many lives will be saved once the plant is a fully regulated commodity. This is what Coloradans, Washingtonians and Oregonians need to carry with them into the voter booths in November. Not some threats by obsolete drug warriors who are too stubborn to admit the faults of prohibition.
This article is a plea to the citizens of Colorado, Washington and Oregon (from me and from tens of millions of others). Please do not surrender to the threats and scare tactics of the United States government, even if Eric Holder once again declares his opposition to the measure. Be game changers and trailblazers instead. A majority of Americans now believe cannabis should be regulated like alcohol, and these voices will echo the loudest once the first state enacts legislation that regulates marijuana. Not only are Americans relying on voters in these states in November, but so is the rest of the world. Once the United States changes its bullying stance against cannabis, other countries will undoubtedly follow suit.
Jamie Haase, a speaker for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, is a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.
If the DEA and the companies directly profiting from the laws against cannabis had to sit down and be compelled to answer how they could possibly justify insane policies, of course the game would be over and adults could use a non-toxic and beneficial plants and the money would shift from the politico/corporate pockets ( usually promoting other far right and rights restricting efforts elsewhere) to the small business person and the community, something the fat cats have no desire to see.
Cannabis was made illegal by nefarious and devious means, an indisputabe fact and one that the DEA will never discuss. Trying to defend insane policies is embarrassing, even for the craven and souless narcs and cowardly politicians who defend them with a gusto that can only come from some payoff, some benefit...non-tangible corruption is the most rewarding in many ways, and only a corrupt conscience could settle for a win at the cost of insulting and defying the People and supporting brutal and unjustifiable laws for the profits of money, power and infulence.
Prohibitionists would defy God if they thought in would benefit them.
C'mon guys, don't you want to see what the fuss is all about?
You know it won't kill you...
Throw a bucket of water Dorothy.
There is no substance to their threats, they have no real power in the end.
They are the employee's, it is they who serve the voting citizen.
The longer we accept corruption, incompetence and tyranny the closer they take us to true collapse.
When the people use their democratic right to end this idiotic law it will immediately null and void all federal and international law.
Prohibition will collapse and nations caught in violence and economic crisis will just go ahead and legalize.
The voters of Colorado, Oregon and Washington have the chance to be real life superheroes and save many thousands of lives and restore the economy as well.
Register to vote for marijuana initiatives and reform friendly politicians.
Gary Johnson for President.
War is Over!
2012!
Let's look at their body of work; 40+ years of total failure. a wasted TRILLION Dollars, The Jailing of tens of millions of our fellow Americans for victimless "crimes", governmental abuses of it's citizens through forfeiture laws, which are nothing but stealing.
Legalize and Regulate! Al Capone was replaced by Coors, Bud, Seagrams and hundreds of LEGITIMATE, taxpaying, Job creating businesses which broke the back of the alcohol Black Market.
Obviously, what the Prohibitionists are doing is NOT working and has never worked.
That would've been worth mentioning...
I believe he is also laying low because of his recent contempt of congress regarding Fast N Furious. He is definitely not as formidable as he was in 2010.
It isn't that it can't be done. It is because it is dumb. Alcohol kills more people and is legal. Makes no sense. In this case lets do what the libertarians suggest. Stop the government policing of drugs. We'll save billions. Put the money into treatment programs for the inevitable addicts. Tax the cannibis like alcohol.
Through our criminalizing aberrant behavior we have created a system that incourages crime and criminals. Lets take their profits away from them.
-Thank You for your service..
90% or more of cannabis users do not suffer dependence issues, unlike the other drugs in Schedule 1; better, to fund scientifically factual educational programs to deter underage use, instead of ineffectual scare tactics like D.A.R.E. or more government lies.