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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Ex-police chief backs medical marijuana, says legalization could cut down on crime

Please click onto the COMMENTS for the story.

posted by Bob at Wednesday, March 25, 2009

7 Comments:

Blogger Bob said...

He says Minnesota could reduce crime
By Dennis Lien
dlien@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 03/25/2009 12:47:07 AM CDT


Allowing some people to use marijuana for medical purposes won't prompt a rash of drug crimes. In fact, if states such as Washington are examples, it could do just the opposite in Minnesota.

At least that's what the former police chief of Seattle suggested to a Minnesota House committee Tuesday.

Former Chief Norm Stamper noted that overall crime, including marijuana-related violations, is down significantly in Washington. So, what would he say if asked how its legalization is faring there?

"My one-word response would be 'well,' '' Stamper said. "My two-word response would be 'very well.' ''

Stamper endorsed a House bill that would legalize the use of marijuana for people with chronic and debilitating illnesses. Sponsored by state Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, the bill passed the Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee on a 9-6 vote and was sent to a finance committee. A similar bill is moving through the state Senate.

Stamper conceded the idea of less crime and legalized medical marijuana sounds counterintuitive.

"The theory is that we have now made a medicine out of what formerly was an illicit drug,'' said Stamper, adding, "It has removed the mystique.''

Opposition in Washington state from law-enforcement officials "has been eliminated or neutralized,'' he added.

But not in Minnesota. At least at the hearing.

Representatives from state and local police organizations, including Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion, spoke against the bill, even piling large bags of marijuana on a table to demonstrate how much they said someone could possess under the proposal.

They argued the bill was misguided, wasn't sufficiently restrictive and would help feed America's appetite for illegal drugs.

State Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Good Thunder, who is police chief of Lake Crystal, even contended Stamper showed too much support for the medical profession — at the expense of police in the hearing room.

"They're not taking the risks — we are,'' said Cornish, who wore a bright yellow tie that said, "Police Line, Do Not Cross.''

Saying that wasn't his intent, Stamper said he believes any solution in Minnesota must include law-enforcement representatives. He testified that Minnesota's proposal is more restrictive and allows less marijuana in possession than the guidelines approved by Washington voters in 1998.

"We have a lot more medical marijuana patients than you can anticipate here,'' Stamper said.

Dennis Lien can be reached at 651-228-5588.

7:42 AM  
Blogger Bob said...

Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion, State Rep. Tony Cornish, and others who oppose this bill. Who are we suppose to believe, your "opinions" or proven FACTS?

10:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting this topic Bob

Marijuana is a misunderstood drug that is thought of as dangerous, when in fact this is in anything but the case. Because of people’s ignorance and gullibility, marijuana has become illegal for all the wrong reasons and should highly be reconsidered for legalization. People today don’t understand that for centuries marijuana has been used by different nationalities of people for religious, recreational, and medical use. Marijuana has been legalized in such European countries as Holland and Belgium. Currently, it is speculated that Germany, Spain, and Portugal are also leaning towards the idea of legalizing marijuana (www.marijuanareform.org…). So why is the legalization of marijuana in the United States such a problem for many people today? Considered to be a gateway drug and the reason for the downfall of our youth today, marijuana has developed a negative reputation. However, many people who are chronic users believe the drug is no more harmful than cigarettes. Despite its useful medical effects for relieving pain and nausea, marijuana is a psychedelic drug that will be looked down upon because of false claims about the influences it has on the mind. The use of marijuana dates back over 5,000 years ago.

11:53 AM  
Blogger Bob said...

The problem with legalizing marijuana is-

For years politicians have made getting tough on marijuana an issue to win elections. Pile on the opinions of ignorant law enforcement officials and the barriers to common sense are erected.

Legalize and tax marijuana. The revenues from this product would bail our country out of the financial crisis we are in. It would put thousands of people to work.

Legalization would take the money out of the black market. It would free up our court and correctional systems so they could address serious crimes.

12:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Marijuana, they say it leads to worst drugs.
This is not the thing that leads people astray.
Booze is the first thing people use as children.
The drug and liquor companies don't want it to interfere with their sales.
People will not become addicted to Valliums or tracalizers
We need to Crank Down on the drugs that come over the borders, and work with people that are addicted.
Thank everyone that post on this about marijuana.
How do you feel about this "Eric and Chuck"?
Bill Dahn

3:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't Bogart that joint , pass it over to me Bill.

7:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Forget Chuck and Eric Bill. You're a big time liberal, and I am wondering if you're happey with who won the elections.

3:39 PM  

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