ArkNORML News- October 2009

The newsletter of the Arkansas Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Our Website: ArkNORML.org
Contact numbers: Glen Schwarz-Pres. 2009, (501) 568-1598
Mail address: PO Box 191031, Little Rock, AR 72219
e-mail: normlschwarz@yahoo.com

President's Report by Glen Schwarz

The NORML benefit of August 21 was a moderate success. We still have about 30 t-shirts left though, so we need to set up tables for outreach in the Fall.

Two events of note occur on Oct. 24- A chili cook-off in Conway that we have been invited to, and a Green Jobs event at McArthur Park in Little Rock. We need to choose one or prepare to do both.

Also I have written an ordinance to place on the ballot in Faulkner County. So far the language is as follows:

Faulkner County Hemp Reform Petition

Whereas Cannabis Hemp is one of the oldest and most versatile plants known to man.

Whereas marijuana, derived from hemp, is one of the safest intoxicants known to man.

Whereas both hemp and marijuana have been shown to have medicinal uses.

Be it known by this petition and vote that the people of Faulkner County, Arkansas hereby recommend the following reforms:

1. That enforcement of laws against the growing of hemp and the possession of marijuana be the lowest possible priority by the public servants of Faulkner County.

2. That our delegations to State government and the Congress move with the greatest possible speed to sponsor and support the re-legalization of hemp, and the decriminalization of marijuana.

3. That the defense of medical necessity and compassion be allowed for those that use marijuana to relieve symptoms of pain or disease.

Witness this day by our vote, the will of the people of Faulkner County.

For news this month we turn to the NORML website, where on the same day in August two countries decriminalized marijuana. Way to go, southern neighbors!

Argentina: No Prison For Pot Possession, Supreme Court Rules
August 27, 2009 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Imprisoning adults who possess small amounts of cannabis is unconstitutional, the Argentinean Supreme Court ruled this week. The Court unanimously determined that pot possession is private behavior and does not "constitute a clear danger" to others. The ruling strikes down the government's longstanding anti-marijuana law, which allowed for minor pot offenders to be sentenced for up to two years in prison. "Each individual adult is responsible for making decisions freely about their desired lifestyle without state interference," the Court determined. "Private conduct is allowed unless it constitutes a real danger or causes damage to property or the rights of others." Commenting on the decision, NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre said, "Cultural norms governing the possession and use of marijuana are rapidly shifting around the world, as well as here in America. Forcibly taking away someone's liberty for the use of cannabis is no longer seen as a practical or acceptable public policy." For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500.
updated: Aug 27, 2009

Mexico: Government Decriminalizes Possession Of Five Grams Of Pot
August 27, 2009 - Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico: Mexican President Felipe Calderon signed legislation last week decriminalizing the personal possession of small quantities of cannabis and other controlled substances. The legislation, passed by Congress in May, eliminates criminal penalties for the personal possession of up to five grams of marijuana. The possession of small amounts of other illicit substances, including heroin and cocaine, will also no longer be prosecutable. Under the new law, anyone caught by law enforcement with small amounts of illicit drugs will be encouraged to seek treatment. Drug treatment will be mandatory for third-time offenders. The new legislation authorizes state and local police to enforce drug trafficking laws. Previously, only federal police (about five percent of Mexico's law enforcement personnel) had the authority to arrest individuals suspected of selling drugs. State lawmakers have up to a year to implement the new law. In 2006, Mexico's Congress passed a virtually identical measure, only to have it vetoed by former President Vincente Fox. Fox's veto came after political pressure from members of the US State Department, who alleged that enacting such a law would promote "drug tourism." For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director.