Update: Please see an important bulletin including an action alert for Arizonans that we published on Wednesday.
It was a tough night for medical marijuana, with two state initiatives losing decisively and a third trailing slightly very late in the game.
Oregon's Measure 74 would have expanded the state's existing medical marijuana program by allowing for a system of state-regulated, nonprofit dispensaries and grow operations. According to official figures, it lost 42% to 58%.
South Dakota's Measure 13 would have created a tightly restrictive medical marijuana program, with no dispensaries and a list of specified ailments and conditions. According to unofficial figures from the secretary of state, it lost 37% to 63%.
None of the medical marijuana campaigns have yet reacted publicly to Tuesday's results. Look for a Chronicle feature article exploring what went wrong in the near future.
Not all bad
Folks, these ballot measures lost, but that doesn't mean that we have lost everything. Every time one of these measures makes it to a ballot, people get out and start talking about this issue, and each time that happens, more people come around to accepting the fact that marijuana should be legal. We are close to a national tipping point on this issue now, according to the latest Gallup poll, with 46% of all Americans agreeing that marijuana should be legalized for all purposes. That means those of us who have been fighting these battles in large and small ways these many years have been having an impact, and we will continue to have an impact as long as we keep this issue in front of Americans' eyes.
Do not be discouraged. We have lost some battles, but we will win this war. Keep joining the debate with the knowledge that the truth is on our side, and we will win in the end.
Don't you just love democracy!
The war on pot will end when the bankrupt U.S. government goes under like it's old enemy the U.S.S.R did!
It's bankrupt now. Let's hope when it dies it doesn't take the rest of us with it!
Is it really all that bad?
HEY at least my dealer dosent charge sales taxes. 20 bag for 20 bucks
Don't give them any ideas,
Don't give them any ideas, lol! Just kidding.
utter insanity for Oregon to
utter insanity for Oregon to loose.
They already have medical marijuana.
I guess cali-type storefronts scare them
Az. Prop 203
The legalization of M for medicinal use is fine, and I hope it passes. M should be more broadly legalized and regulated and taxed. This is a huge revenue generating machine for the state; and would also help fight the war on drugs. Legalizing marijuana is only a short matter of time. Everyone wants it and it makes people who have dreadful diseases, feel better. What's the harm?
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