Proposed bill would make marijuana legal in entire state of Georgia (illegal, crime)

[fieldm]

Proposed bill would make marijuana legal in entire state of Geor - CBS46 News

NORCROSS, GA (CBS46) -

There is a new proposal to legalize marijuana in Georgia for the entire state. Right now, the bill is going through the State Senate.When it comes to marijuana, we know attitudes are changing. In October, Atlanta decriminalized small amounts of marijuana in the city, and DeKalb County commissioners announced in January that they are doing the same.We spoke to a State Senator about the need legalize it statewide.

“To get rid of the gangs, to get rid of the organized crime unit, that is the only way to do it is to do it statewide,” said State Senator Curt Thompson of Norcross. Thompson and five other Democratic Senators from across the state are backing Senate Bill 614. It would legalize marijuana in the state of Georgia, and regulate the proceeds from its sale, allowing anyone over the age of 21 to purchase small amounts for personal use.“That is real money that we are simply leaving on the table,” said Thompson. The potential economic impact would be huge. “If you use the same tax rate that Colorado has, and then you correct, we are a bigger state,” said Thompson. “We bring in $340 million a year.”The money would be split equally between education and transportation.

“It would be 50 percent for transportation, which could go to mass transit, or roads, and then 50 percent to the Hope Scholarship,” said Thompson.

Similar legislation proposed by Thompson failed last year, but the bill only had his backing last time.

“When you look at Colorado, it didn’t just magically appear on the ballot…California or Oregon,” said Thompson.

This year things are different. If the bill passes both the Senate and House then it would go on the 2018 November ballot for Georgia voters to decide.

“The ball is moving in that direction and towards that,” said Thompson. “I think that we will eventually be there.”

Thompson says a different bill backed by all the Democratic State Senators would legalize marijuana for medical use.

Copyright 2018 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.



Read more: http://www.cbs46.com/story/37409502/...#ixzz56GpmIKVR


Im for it. I don't smoke or have I ever smoked before but Im for our state benefiting from the taxes and additional jobs from it. People are still going to do what they want anyways so the state might as well benefit from it financially. Just like how you drive 1 mile over the speed limit, got drunk alcohol before you were 21, watch porn, , cheat on your taxes, lust, etc people should have a right to do what they want to do because the law doesn't prevent people from doing what they want.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by fieldm

Proposed bill would make marijuana legal in entire state of Geor - CBS46 News

NORCROSS, GA (CBS46) -

There is a new proposal to legalize marijuana in Georgia for the entire state. Right now, the bill is going through the State Senate.

When it comes to marijuana, we know attitudes are changing. In October, Atlanta decriminalized small amounts of marijuana in the city, and DeKalb County commissioners announced in January that they are doing the same.

We spoke to a State Senator about the need legalize it statewide.

“To get rid of the gangs, to get rid of the organized crime unit, that is the only way to do it is to do it statewide,” said State Senator Curt Thompson of Norcross.





Im for it. I don't smoke or have I ever smoked before but Im for our state benefiting from the taxes and additional jobs from it. People are still going to do what they want anyways so the state might as well benefit from it financially. I wish some of the tax revenue from it would help fund heavy rail in Georgia. Just like how you drive 1 mile over the speed limit, got drunk alcohol before you were 21, watch porn, , cheat on your taxes, lust, etc people should have a right to do what they want to do because the law doesn't prevent people from doing what they want

Unfortunately, this won't make it out of the Senate.

[arjay57]

Puffing for transit.

[primaltech]

Our idiotic state will never do anything positive like this. Always at the back of the pack on everything, never at the front.

We'll totally forfeit all the money we could be making (and saving), we'll keep ruining young people's lives for no reason, and it will remain illegal here until it's legalized nationally. Just like with gay marriage.

[MattCW]

Still illegal Federally. This state has enough potheads already, at least they can be taken off the street where they can't hurt anyone but themselves. Make it legal, and they get license to roam loose.

[Pemgin]

Originally Posted by MattCW

Still illegal Federally. This state has enough potheads already, at least they can be taken off the street where they can't hurt anyone but themselves. Make it legal, and they get license to roam loose.

Thanks, Jeff.

This regressive state will never allow this. We'll only get it when the federal government makes it legal and drags Georgia into it kicking and screaming. Just like always.

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Puffing for transit.

Toking for Trains.
Blazing for Busses.
Lighting for Light Rail.
Smoking for Sidewalks.
Baking for Biking.

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by MattCW

Still illegal Federally. This state has enough potheads already, at least they can be taken off the street where they can't hurt anyone but themselves. Make it legal, and they get license to roam loose.

Do you really think people who smoke pot aren't already roaming loose? They are everywhere, all day, every day.

[bryantm3]

it's a good idea, but it doesn't stand a chance of passing. the national democratic party is not even entirely on board with legalization yet. plus, we don't even have medical here. usually states go with medical first and then recreational later. we haven't even been able to legalize cannabis for people whose doctors recommend it for them.

[primaltech]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

the national democratic party is not even entirely on board with legalization yet.

Which is exactly why it would be the perfect time for Georgia to do it. For once, we could say that we're ahead of the curve on something. It would really catch the attention of the country, in a positive light. Leader, instead of follower. There's only been 7 or 8 states that have legalized it so far. No one expects a state a Deep South state to be next. They expect us to be among the last, like we always are.