Written by: Beck
Proponents of drug prohibition like to talk about how marijuana is a "gateway drug" leading to use of harder drugs. While such beliefs are widely discredited, in an amusing turn, marijuana has turned into something of a gateway issue for proponents of individual liberty.
I have long held that the government should not punish "victimless crimes" -- such things as motorcycle helmet laws, and, of course, smoking pot. Regardless of where you stand on this debate, though, there is no denying that drug law liberalization continues to slowly creep forward.
Most recently,
Columbia, Missouri passed two propositions by overwhelming majorities to ease restrictions on marijuana. The first proposition allows seriously ill patients to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. The second proposition stipulates that police will assign the lowest priority to marijuana enforcement, and that possession charges will be handled in municipal court rather than state court.
What really fascinates me about this case is the magnitude of bipartisan support the propositions received.
Republicans will control the Legislature and the governor's office starting in January, "and this vote indicates to me that a bipartisan voting population, as it matures, is recognizing that marijuana use is not really something that ought to be treated like a crime," [pro-legalization lobbyist Dan] Viets said Tuesday.
The first proposition received 69% of the vote, and the second proposition received 62% of the vote. There's definitely a sea change taking place in the nations' perception of marijuana consumption.
(Hat tip:
Vice Squad)
