How close is the United States to legalizing (or decriminalizing) simple marijuana possession?

Question

Disregarding individual opinions, if possible

Answer 1

It's already decriminalized in several states but not federally.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Map-of-US-state-cannabis-laws.png

Answer 2

Yes, we should. It has been proven to be non-addictive and even beneficial in some circumstances. The worst health risk a lifelong marijuana smoker can expect is chronic bronchitis, a puny enemy compared to the heart disease, liver problems and other damage associated with alcohol or the emphysema and increased risk of lung cancer from cigarettes. In addition, we would remove non-violent offenders from our prison system, saving taxpayers tons of money and reducing the chance that those arrested for marijuana-related crimes will encounter abuse in prison or become acclimated to a criminal lifestyle and commit further -- and more harmful -- offenses upon release. We would save millions by ceasing an ineffective Drug War on marijuana, which -- like alcohol prohibition beforehand -- has created a black market for the drug, further encouraging crime and violence in our nation. On a more human level, the punishment for marijuana usage far outweighs the damage of the crime itself. Once convicted, it is nearly impossible to find work, and the 'criminal' is all but forced into poverty, which of course encourages further crime. "After all, says the convicted "I'm already a criminal. I can't make ends meet or feed my children. Why not deal/steal/prostitute myself?" That's not what we want for our fellow citizens. One more reason, a rather cynical one, Holland has made tons off the sale of marijuana. Our nation could use the proceeds and taxes from sales, as well as the money we'll save from less crowded prisons and a War on Drugs that doesn't pursue marijuana smokers, to fund a better education system, or even anti-drug programs, or healthcare, or any number of things that would improve the quality of life for citizens. And finally, the original law prohibiting marijuana was made for unconstitutional reasons. The speech delivered to congress in support of the prohibition said it was needed because marijuana inspired black and Hispanic men to commit violent crimes and to rape white women. I had some difficulty finding a copy of this speech online, though I have it at home in print. I'd recommend looking for it, though. It’s an appalling read. That kind of thing would never pass today, not in a million years and I rather think that the law should be overturned on that basis alone. The decision was made based on overblown racist fears and little factual or scientific evidence.

Answer 3

Not as close as they should be in my opinion.

Lets face it, They will let any idiot over the age of 21 go out and polute their body with alcohol and other stimulants which are harmful to the community. Yet, they continue to enforce a law which at this point is for the most part outdated and unfair. Get drunk and drive around and you lose your liscence for a few months and pay a fine.Get caught with a small amount of marijuana which for the most part is a drug that is consumed in the privacy of your home and in some states get your *** thrown in jail.

Bottom line is......Marijuana will be legalized just as soon as our crooked *** government can find a way to impliment some sort of tax on it allowing them to get their greedy little hands on yet another portion of our hard earned money. Many companies such as Phillip Morris currently have land set aside for the cultivation of Marijuana in anticipation of at least a partial legalization in some states.

Answer 4

It's already been decriminalized. Simple possession of under 1 ounce is a citation and a 50-100 buck fine.

No PACS and No serious lobbyists support and nothing happens. Sucks to be a pot smoker. Pay the fine.

Answer 5

If the question is up to the legislatures, maybe never (in all states).

But it might not be up to all of the legislatures. Given the U.S. Supreme Court's horrible interpretations of the Constitution for the last 45 years, it is probably only a little while before they say that using drugs is a constitutionally guaranteed right.

Answer 6

As a nation, not for a long time. Each state must decide this on their own. The States are losing out on a money making situation by not selling pot in state run operations and then having Krispy Kreams in each of them.

Answer 7

Not very. There is no pending federal or state legislation that I am aware of, nor is there any meaningful populist movement gathered to get it done.