Category: Legal Reform

    Cannabis Conference Atlanta March 15 & 16

    Georgia CARE (Campaign for Access, Reform & Education) will participate in the first Southern Cannabis Reform Conference March 15 & 16 at the Spring St. & 4th St. event center hosted by the Peachtree Chapter of The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (Peachtree NORML).

    James Bell, director of Georgia CARE, will speak Friday morning on “Marijuana Law Reform: Moving Georgia Forward”. Bell will reveal his vision for changing marijuana laws in Georgia.

    The two day conference is the first of its kind in Atlanta and will attract activists from around the country to discuss cannabis and strategies to change the laws.

    Others participants include:

    Diane Goldstein: Law Enforcement Against Prohibition – Lieutenant Commander, Redondo Beach (CA) Police Department (Ret.)

    Russ Belville: The Independent Voice of the Marijuana Nation on 420radio.org

    Robert Platshorn: Author of the Black Tuna Diaries and America’s longest imprisoned (30 years) nonviolent marijuana offender.

    Ron Crumpton: Alabama Medical Marijuana Coalition – Medical Marijuana Patient

    Rick Day: Georgia NORML – Reform Activist – Spring4th Center Owner

    Adrian Bernal: The Caravan for Peace with Justice and Dignity

    Ebony Knight: Artist, Activist & Ambassador

    Chris Butts: Alabama Medical Marijuana Association

    Rebecca Forbes: American Cannabis Coalition

    Paul Cornwell: Marijuana Activist since 1978 – Coalition for the Abolition of Marijuana Prohibition (CAMP)

    Sabrina Fendrick: Founder and director of NORML Women’s Alliance

    Walker Chandler: Esquire: Nationally recognized trail attorney

    Sharon Ravert: Peachtree NORML, Executive Director – Moms for Marijuana

    Jamie Haase: Greenville, S.C. L.E.A.P.

    Candace Junkin: Assistant Director of Moms for Marijuana International

      Polls: Two Southern States Support Medical Marijuana

      NORML reports on polling: In another sign of the changing times, this past week two new polls have been released demonstrating majority support for allowing the medical use of marijuana in two southern states, a region historically less supportive of cannabis law reforms.

      A poll conducted by Public Policy Polling revealed that most North Carolinians believe that a doctor should possess the legal option to authorize marijuana for patients. Support for legalizing medical marijuana is at 58% overall, with 33% opposed and 9% undecided. A majority of every age group under age 65 supports allowing for the medical use of marijuana. The poll surveyed 608 North Carolina voters between January 10 and January 13, 2013.

      Another Public Policy Polling survey had the majority of West Virginians supporting the medical use of cannabis, 53% in favor to 40% opposed. Further, when asked which is a safer treatment for debilitating pain: the medical use of marijuana or Oxycontin, 63% responded medical marijuana.

        A Guide to Georgia’s Marijuana Laws by NORML

        NORML: A Voice for Responsible Marijuana Smokers

        Since its founding in 1970, NORML has provided a voice in the public policy debate for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end to the practice of arresting marijuana smokers. A nonprofit public-interest advocacy group, NORML represents the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly.

         

        Possession

        Personal Use
        1 oz or less misdemeanor 1 year $ 1,000
        More than 1 oz felony 1 – 10 years $ 0

        With intent to distribute
        10 lbs or less felony 1 – 10 years $ 0
        10 – 2000 lbs felony 5 – 30 years $ 100,000
        2000 – 10,000 lbs felony 7 – 30 years $ 250,000
        More than 10,000 lbs felony 15 – 30 years $ 1,000,000
        Within 1,000 feet of school grounds, a park, or a housing project, or in a drug free zone felony 20 -40 years $ 40,000