Greetings and Salutations,
I want to thank those who have joined the Dkos Cannabis Law and DrugWar Reform Group
Per the statement about the group on the main page
Diaries, essays, news, views, action items, and serious discourse related to the reform of America's laws prohibiting the possession of the cannabis plant, with a side order of general drug policy wonkery. Cannabis reform is on the march, it is inevitable and it should be an accomplishment of the Democratic Party.
The mission herein is to do just that.
Here are some guidelines I would like to propose in an effort to create a sort of consistent signature ‘flavor’ and quality, at least as I see it:
- First: This not about “pot smoking”. People can already smoke pot ergo the constant discussion of prohibition as a policy. This is about changing the laws that make up prohibition. Slogan: We want to fix laws, not break them”.
- Pot smoking in and of itself is not important. It’s a freedom and a pursuit of happiness but so is beer, liquor and tobacco. Marijuana, at one level is just not important.
- Prohibition makes it important and helps it take on a glamour that adds to the allure. It’s a major backfire. Prohibition causes more trouble and crime than it purports to resolve or prevent. In addition to being hugely expensive.
- For the most part, this is not about any other drug, substance, or molecular entities. It is about cannabis prohibition and the benefits of reforming it. Other drugs/hard drugs are a far more complex issue and I would strongly encourage people to not focus on that.
- Cannabis is unique in that it has multiple uses and is essentially non-toxic and is well-known to have medicinal, and agri-industrial applications in addition to personal use.
- Support of cannabis reform does not equal “pothead”. People cannot say this loudly enough. It doesn’t mean you want drugs sold in elementary schools – that is a GOP talking point. This is a corollary to “this is not about potmoking”.
- Ending prohibition is expected to save money, law enforcement resources, generate tax revenues and jobs of all sorts, from farming to assembly lines. It is GOOD for the economy and GOOD for Americans.
- Law enforcement arrests about 825000 Americans each year for possession, more than are arrested for all violent crimes combined. It is a massive waste of resources in a time of budget scarity. It’s time that it be shifted to more important things.
- In writing and in replies be forceful and confident, do not feel pressured to provide a mountain of facts as this is often not that useful for those vehemently opposed. Remember that on election day we need 55- 60%
- If at all possible try to end your piece with some clearly identified 'Democratic Talking Point' to help our progressive and liberal Democratic leaders talk about cannabis reform.
- I would like to suggest - strongly - that people interested in this project have an active twitter account.
AREAS of FOCUS
Under prohibition, Cannabis can be divided into 3 main areas: Personal or Recreational; Agricultural/industrial, and Medicinal.
- Personal includes recreational - smoking pot just because it's fun, which is a legitimate use of a natural plant.
- Medical: this is largely self-explanatory
In addition to these 3 main area, the types of posts on this topic will include
- News Reports (Busts, notices of laws, oddities, such as guns or poisons being allowed in the environment while cannabis is viciously repressed)
- Opinion Pieces - one's perspective on some aspect of cannabis prohibition or reform. Particularly if from a Democratic perspective.
- Medical cannabis reporting: from people's persoanl diaries about the impact of medical cannabis on their or a relatives/friend's lives, to discussions of cannabinoids and medical reports thereof.
- Hemp, which covers the agricultural and industrial applications of the cannabis plants. An interesting point to always be made in this area is that while cannabis prohibition has failed to stop recreational use of cannabis as a drug, it has totally shelved cannabis' non-drug, pro-social uses. And, to add real insult, point out that as long as cannabis as a natural resource is prohibited the precious 'Free Market' ain't totally free.
There are those who have some excellent writing skills already: all I'd ask is some sort of general adherence to the above guidelines. My guess is that is a moot point in that quality writers will already be all over this. Post your diaries to the queue as you see fit.
Suggestions for newer writers
Newer writers or those who indicated in private messages that they want to be involved but have doubts about their writing ability: stick to these guidelines. Choose an area in which you are interested and feel comfortable. Write your diaries and post them to the Cannabis Reform Group queue and I will review them and make notes and return them to you if needed to help you craft a good product. I used to do this all the time years ago at marijuana.com and I am ever so happy to assist. Do not be afraid to ask me for feedback.
This diary will be amended over time in the comments to add useful tidbits of knowledge.
Please use the comment section to add your own 2 cents, ask questions, make suggestions or to ask for an invite if you are interested.
Thanks!
Doc