Guess what the Drug Policy Alliance has been up to.

Pro-Drug Legislation

Passed:

Hawaii

●HB 2675 HD2 SD1 (originally HB 2675) sought to create a medical marijuana task force to examine issues regarding adequate supplies of medical marijuana for qualified patients, distinguishing between mature and immature plants under current law, the feasibility of constructing secure growing facilities for medical marijuana patients to use to produce their medicine, and study inter-island travel issues related to medical marijuana. Opposed-Passed and vetoed by Governor. Senate voted to override Governor’s veto, however, the House decided not to act on veto.

Rhode Island

●H7888 would change the current “medical” marijuana act to include the creation of “compassion centers”- pot dispensaries. Opposed-Passed and Governor vetoed.

Vermont

●HB 267 would allow for the use of industrial hemp. Opposed-Passed but will not take effect until “such time as the United States Congress amends the definition of marijuana.

Pro-Drug Legislation

Failed:

Alabama

●HB 679 sought to allow “medical” marijuana. Opposed-Died in Committee.

California

●SB 1098 creates tax amnesty for pot dispensaries. Opposed-Died in committee.

Hawaii

●HB 2067 & SB 2547 sought to establish a committee that may add other medical conditions to the definition of "debilitating medical condition" for the purpose of medical marijuana use; amends the definitions of "primary caregiver" and "written certification"; defines "adequate supply" to include seven plants and three ounces of usable marijuana; adds definition for "registration" and amends the registration requirements. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

●HB 2673 would have created state protection for state employees who are “medical” marijuana users. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

●HB 2676 would allow a person 21 years of age or older to possess up to 1 oz. of marijuana. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

●HB 2674 would increase the amount of marijuana plants to be grown in a garden area. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

●HB 2677 which makes marijuana law enforcement’s lowest priority. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

●HR 262 Marijuana Law enforcement- makes lowest priority. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next session.

●HCR 301 and HR 251 urges federal agencies involved in classifying controlled substances to consider reclassifying marijuana as a schedule III substance. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next session.

●HCR 316 sought to make marijuana law enforcements lowest priority. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next years session.

●HB 2678 sought to authorize the establishment of a secure growing facility for the production of medical marijuana for not more than fourteen qualified patients. Opposed-Committee deferred measure.

●HB 2871 Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii to study the medical efficacy of marijuana. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

●HR 49 requested for Maui to implement various measures of “medical” marijuana in county. Opposed-committee deferred

●SB 905, Establishes a committee that may add other medical conditions to the definition of "debilitating medical condition" for the purpose of medical marijuana use; amends the definitions of "primary caregiver" and "written certification"; defines "adequate supply" to include seven plants and three ounces of usable marijuana; adds definition for "registration" and amends the registration requirements. Opposed-Failed, passed Senate in 2007 and was carried over to the 2008 session where it died in the House and cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

●HB 300, Transfers medical marijuana program from department of public safety to department of health and requires it to consider new debilitating conditions for marijuana use. Clarifies amount of marijuana that may be possessed. Reduces role of physicians to ensure that they will not be subject to federal charges. Opposed-Failed, carried over from 2007 session, died in the House and cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

●SB 1296 Makes possession of less than one ounce of marijuana a civil violation; imposes an unspecified fine. Opposed-Failed, carried over from 2007 session and cannot be carried over to next years session.

●HB 1711 Reclassifies possession of less than one ounce of marijuana from a petty misdemeanor to a violation. Imposes a maximum fine of $. Opposed-Failed, was carried over form 2007 session and cannot be carried over to next years session.

●HB 493 Increases the amount of marijuana a qualifying patient may have as an adequate supply from 3 to 6 mature plants, from 4 immature plants to 18 seedlings, and from 1 ounce to 24 ounces of usable marijuana. Establishes reciprocity with other states having medical marijuana laws. Opposed-Failed, was carried over from 2007 session and cannot be carried over to next years session.

●HB 680 Reclassifies possession of less than one ounce of marijuana from a petty misdemeanor to a violation. Opposed-Failed, was carried over from 2007 session and cannot be carried over to next years session.

●SB 65 Reduces penalties for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana to a violation rather than a petty misdemeanor. Opposed-Failed, carried over from 2007 session and cannot be carried over to next years session.

●HB 1535 Legalizes and regulates the possession and production of, and commerce involving, industrial hemp. Opposed-Failed, carried over from 2007 session and cannot be carried over to next years session.

Illinois

●HB 5499 provides for registry card for possession and cultivation of marijuana. Opposed-Tabled by sponsor on 3/6/08.

Kansas

●SB 556, a “medical” marijuana defense bill. Opposed-Died in committee.

Minnesota

●SB 0345 sought to allow for the use of marijuana as a so-called medicine. Opposed-Failed, passed the Senate and then died in the House.

●HF 2168/SF3537 would allow for the use of industrial hemp. Opposed-Died in Committee.

Missouri

●HB 1830 sought reclassification of marijuana and to legalize its use for “medical” purposes. Opposed-legislation adjourned without taking action and cannot be carried over to next session.

New Hampshire

●HB 1623 sought to replace criminal penalties for an ounce and a quarter or marijuana with a violation. Opposed- Died in the Senate

● HB 1567 sought to decriminalize a quarter ounce of pot for all purposes. Opposed-Died in Committee.

● HB 1559 sought to allow home confinement for any amount of marijuana possession. Opposed- Died in Committee.

New York

● S6303 & A4867 “medical” marijuana bills. Opposed-Assembly bill passed but Senate companion bill was not acted on. Senate bill cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

●S4768 sought to allow the use of marijuana as a so-called medicine. Opposed-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next year’s session.

North Carolina

●H 2405 seeks to create a commission to study marijuana as a so-called medicine. Opposed-Died in committee and can not be carried over to next year’s session.

Oklahoma

●SB 875 would create a taskforce to study the effectiveness of “medical” marijuana. Opposed-legislature adjourned without taking action and cannot be carried over to 2009 session.

Oregon

● HB3635 sought to allow employers to discriminate against “medical” marijuana patients but only in jobs that they deemed hazardous, leaving all other employers unable to do anything about employees working while intoxicated and /or potentially impaired. Opposed- Died in Committee.

South Carolina

●S220 a “medical” marijuana bill. Opposed. This was a 2007 bill that was carried over to 2008 where it died in committee and cannot be carried over to 2009.

●H3305 sought to create a committee to study the effectiveness of industrial hemp. Oppose-Died in committee and cannot be carried over to next session.

Tennessee

●HB 0486 & SB 0641 “medical” marijuana bill carried over from 2007. Opposed-died in committee and can not be carried over to 2009.

Vermont

●SB 238 sought to decriminalize up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use. Opposed- Died in Committee

Washington

●HB 1395 sought to allow out of state doctors to recommend marijuana for so-called medicinal purposes. Opposed- The Washington Legislature adjourned without acting on this bill.

●HB 2124 sought to protect “medical” marijuana users from investigation. Opposed-The Washington Legislature adjourned without acting on this bill.

●HB 3219 and SB 248 sought to prohibit the implementation of the Real ID Act. S.O.S. opposed this bill, believing that by not participating in the Real ID Act, West Virginia would lose the ground that they have made fighting their war on methamphetamine. FAILED.

Wisconsin

●A 550 a “medical” marijuana defense bill. Opposed-FAILED.

Pro-Drug Legislation

Open:

California

●SJR 20 which urges the Congress and the President to mandate the DEA and other organizations to uphold state law in violation of federal law and allow for so-called medical marijuana. Oppose-hearing postponed.

●AB 2279 would protect those using “medical” marijuana in the workplace under the guise of “medicine,” making it impossible to have a drug free work environment. Oppose-Passed Senate Judiciary Committee and will be heard before entire Senate-date to be announced.

Illinois

●SB 2865/HB 5938 seeks to allow “medical” marijuana. Oppose

Massachusetts

●SB 1121 would replace criminal penalties of one ounce of marijuana with a civil fine. Oppose

●HB 2247 would allow for marijuana as a so-called medicine. Oppose

●SB 1011 seeks to decriminalize 1oz or less of marijuana. Oppose

●SB 944 medical fraud marijuana. Oppose

Michigan

●HB 4038 medical fraud marijuana bill carried over from 2007. This bill has not seen any action in 2008 however it does remain open. Oppose.

New Jersey

●AB 804 & SB 119 “medical” marijuana bills introduced and referred to committee. Oppose

Ohio

●SB 343 Medical Compassion Act- seeks to legalize marijuana as a co-called medicine. Oppose.

Anti-drug legislation

Passed:

Florida

●HB 173 lowered the number of plants possessed to 300 to 25 for trafficking. Supported- PASSED and signed by Governor.

●HB 1360 adds Salvia Divinorum and Salvinorin A to the list of Schedule I controlled substances. Supported- Approved by Governor.

●HB 2346 adds marijuana to endangering welfare of a minor. Supported- Passed and is waiting for Governor’s signature.

Kansas

●SB 481 makes Salvia a schedule I drug. Supported-Approved by Governor.

Louisiana

●HB 514 allows certain people engaged in construction, maintenance, or manufacturing at any refining or chemical facility to reduce or modify the initial cut-off level for marijuana testing. Supported-signed by Governor.

●HB 46 Reorganizes Schedules I, II, III, and V of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law to make those provisions consistent with federal law. Supported-signed by Governor.

●SCR 78 expresses legislative support for the creation of a joint legislative Substance Abuse and Mental Health Caucus. Supported-Signed by Speaker of the House and sent to the Secretary of State.

Mississippi

●SB 2456 makes Salvia a schedule I drug. Supported-approved by Governor.

Nebraska

●LB 844- re-criminalize marijuana possession (1978 decriminalized). Supported- PASSED

North Carolina

●S 8 sought to expand safe zones/schools and parks. Supported-Passed and signed by the Governor.

●HB 3148 seeks to classify Salvia as a Schedule I drug- Supported. Approved by the Governor on 6/2/08

South Dakota

●HB 1060 increased penalties for possession with intent to sell to a minor. Supported- PASSED.

Tennessee

●HB 5828 seeks random student drug testing. S.O.S. supported this bill and it was approved and placed at the back of the budget.

Anti-Drug Legislation

Failed:

Alabama

●SB 15 sought to add Salvia to the list of Schedule I drugs. Supported-legislature adjourned without taking action.

●SB 8 sought to add the sale of Salvia as sale of a controlled substance. Supported-legislature adjourned without taking action.

●A2079 sought to create aggravated sale of marijuana. Supported-adjourned w/out taking action

●A10611 sought to prevent a controlled substance from resembling candy. Supported-legislature adjourned without taking action.

North Carolina

●HB 1749 would increase penalties for the sale of drugs near parks. Supported-Legislature adjourned without taking action.

●SB 1060 student drug testing- Support.

●AB 1323 criminalizes the sale and distribution of Salvia. Support

Ohio

●HB 215 seeks to classify Salvia as a schedule I drug- Support.

Pennsylvania

●SB 584 establishes problem-solving courts. Support.

Pro-Drug Ballot Initiatives or Petitions

Passed:

Idaho

●Hailey ballot initiative to legalize the use of medical fraud marijuana. Opposed-Passed 58%.

Illinois

●Sugar Grove ordinance would make first time marijuana possession a ticketed offense. Opposed-Passed.

Vermont

●Burlington Council resolution to explore option for handling small amounts of marijuana. Opposed-Passed.

Pro-Drug Ballot Initiatives or Petitions

Failed:

Arizona

●Petition I-04-2008 Taxation of Decriminalized Marijuana. Opposed-Failed to make ballot.

●Petition drive for medical fraud marijuana funded by MPP. Opposed-Failed, MPP pulled financing.

California

Idaho

●Hailey ballot initiative to regulate and tax marijuana sale and use. Opposed-Failed

Michigan

●Ballot Initiative: Medical and Recreational Peace Initiative. This initiative would allow anyone 18 or older to use marijuana on private property and would also permit cultivation of marijuana on residential properties. Opposed-Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care was unable to submit required signatures by deadline

Oregon

●IP 124 would allow for the creation of pot dispensaries. Opposed-on 7/2/08 initiative was withdrawn by chief petitioners.

●IP 130 (was previously IP 121) would allow for persons 21 years and older may privately consume, possess, cultivate cannabis; cannot transfer for consideration. Opposed-Failed, didn’t qualify for the 2008 ballot.

South Dakota

●Initiative Petition to lower the drinking age to 19 for drinks containing 3.2% alcohol or less. Opposed-failed to make ballot.

Vermont

●Burlington Council considers ballot initiative to decriminalize marijuana. Opposed-Failed.

Pro-Drug Ballot Initiatives or Petitions

Open:

Arkansas

●Fayetteville petition to make marijuana law enforcement’s lowest priority. Oppose-Open, set for Nov 08 ballot.

California

●NORA, George Soros’ Non Violent Offender Rehabilitation Act which seeks to decriminalize marijuana and engage addicts in harm promotion strategies, known as “harm reduction,” instead of abstinence based treatment programs. Oppose

Hawaii

●Hilo ballot ordinance that seeks to make marijuana law enforcements lowest priority and would also prohibit the county from accepting any further state or federal money for marijuana eradication operations. Even if passed this ordinance may be unenforceable because Hawaii and the US have a pre-emptive doctrine that says that legislative bodies, such as county councils, cannot dictate to executive branch agencies, such as police and prosecutors, on how to run their day to day operation. Oppose-Open.

Massachusetts

●IP 4468 “Sensible Marijuana Policy” would replace criminal penalties of one ounce of marijuana with a civil fine. Oppose

Maine

●Summer ballot initiative to make marijuana law enforcements lowest priority. Oppose-Open.

● Petition to expand “medical” marijuana law. Seeks to create ID program and nonprofit dispensaries. Oppose-Open, approved for circulation and is currently gathering signatures for the 2009 ballot.

Michigan

●Ballot Initiative: Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. Pro-legalization group – Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care have gathered enough signatures to get a “medical marijuana” initiative on November’s ballot.

●Ferndale ballot initiative for ordinance to permit the use of marijuana as a so-called medicine and permits an organization the ability to distribute. Oppose-Open

Missouri

●Joplin petition to decriminalize marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia. Oppose-Open.

Oregon (2008)

●Portland ballot initiative, Measure 8, seeks to legalize the possession of 1oz of marijuana. Oppose-Open.

Oregon (2010)

●Oregon Cannabis Tax Act IP #136. Oppose-OCTA will start the signature gathering stage on 7/11/08 for the 2010 ballot.

●Oregon Crime-fighting Act IP #131-Supported. SOS was working with allies in Oregon to get this on the November 2008 ballot however due to a change in the signature gathering laws in Oregon and time constraints we are looking to gather more support and continue for the 2010 ballot.

●IP 28 Dispensary program. Oppose-Open, filed on 6/30/08 for the 2010 ballot.

Anti-Drug Ballot Initiatives or Petitions

Passed:

California

●Mendocino County Measure B; repels Mendocino County Measure G (2000), reduces number of marijuana plants from 25 to 6. Supported-Passed with 52.15% of vote.

Lawsuits:

California

●Court of Appeal, 4th Appellate District Division One State of California. County of San Diego ’s lawsuit against the sate of California to protect them from issuing marijuana ID cards. Supported-Failed, court of appeals ruled that San Diego and San Bernardino counties have no legal authority to resist the identification card program.

Idaho

●City of Hailey. Hailey city officials filed lawsuit opposing the marijuana initiatives passed for voters earlier in 2008. Support-Open.

Here's a link to the SOS site:

http://www.saveoursociety.org/