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APRIL 28, 2010

Senate Committee Considers Testimony on Bill to Study Drug Policies

After rejecting a marijuana decriminalization bill, senators contemplate proposal to study effects of current state and federal laws

CONTACT: Matt Simon, NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy…………………(603) 391-7450

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, one week after the Senate voted to defeat a marijuana decriminalization bill, the Senate Judiciary Committee considered public testimony on a bill that would permit a deeper study of drug policy questions by the New Hampshire legislature.  HB 1373, which passed the House in an uncontested voice vote Feb. 17, would create a study committee of three House members and two senators “to study the effects of current state and federal laws on illegal drugs and the possession and use of such drugs.”

Advocates cited growing support for marijuana policy reforms as a reason the bill should pass.  Matt Simon, executive director for the NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy, touted the bill as an opportunity for the legislature to learn about successful reforms in other states and countries.  “Today, there is an enormous amount of data out there that suggests we need to reevaluate our current policies,” he said.  

“New Hampshire legislators have considered some important criminal justice and marijuana policy reforms this year, but we can’t stop there,” said Rep. Joel Winters (D-Manchester), prime sponsor of the bill. “As lawmakers, if we want to create smart, effective drug policies, we must not be afraid to ask the right questions, like who is being arrested and prosecuted, for what, and why. HB 1373 will help us get answers to those questions, and ultimately lead to better policies that will benefit our state’s residents.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           

APRIL 28, 2010

NSML Decries Suspension of UNLV Basketball Player for Adult Marijuana Use

Suspension highlights the way society treats individuals who make the rational choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol

CONTACT: Dave Schwartz, NSML campaign manager ………………………. 702-727-1081

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws (NSML) is releasing the following statement in the wake of the announcement that University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) basketball player Matt Shaw has been suspended for one year — ending his career with the team — because of one positive test for marijuana. Shaw, fourth on the team in scoring last year, tested positive during a random drug test administered during the recent NCAA tournament.

            “At the age of 22, Matt is an adult,” said Dave Schwartz, NSML campaign manager. “As an adult, he made a rational decision to use a substance less harmful than alcohol. Now, for this simple act, his career with the Runnin’ Rebels is over. We hope all Nevadans will stop to think about this for just one moment — and think specifically about the fact that players who drink alcohol to excess face no punishment, at least until they assault someone. It simply makes no sense. And for those who say, ‘He should have just followed the rules,’ we say, ‘Why do we have rules and laws that horribly punish people who choose to use marijuana instead of the more harmful substance, alcohol?’ It is time for a change.” 

            Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws is a ballot advocacy group formed in Nevada to support a 2012 ballot initiative to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol in the state.

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