Cannabis Issues Dominate Obama's "Open for Questions" Website

by Brinna | December 12, 2008 at 10:02 pm

288352 views | 50 Recommendations | 142 comments

TIME SENSITIVE UPDATE: NEW! First Online Obama Town Hall Meeting shows same results. Drug reform is the top concern.

See it here.

Related stories:

A second round of questions has been concluded at Change.gov. For a analysis of the results, see this related article Obama Cannot Escape Cannabis in 2nd Round of Open for Questions.

Also see DEA Thumbs Nose at Obama With 4 More Medical Cannabis Raids

••••••••••

President Elect Obama is known for reaching out beyond the beltway to take the pulse of the nation. His website, Change.gov offers all of us the chance to communicate our hopes, dreams, fears and needs. This is governance from the ground up, the way it was meant to be. A new program just instituted on the website, is one where citizens may pose specific questions, and others can vote on their importance, bringing significant questions to the top of the list.

In the short twenty four hours the “Open for Questions” segment of Obama’s change.gov website actually stayed open, 7300 questions were posted, 10,000 people participated and 600,000 votes were cast for the most important issues on people’s minds. Guess which question had the most votes?

"Will you consider legalizing marijuana so that the government can regulate it, tax it, put age limits on it, and create millions of new jobs and create a billion dollar industry right here in the U.S.?"

Yes, it’s true. With all of the incredible and difficult issues facing us today, the question above was the most prominent in people’s minds. Questions two through six, in order of popularity, read:

"What will you do as President to restore the Constitutional protections that have been subverted by the Bush Administration and how will you ensure that our system of checks and balances is renewed?"

"What will you do to establish transparency and safeguards against waste with the rest of the Wall Street bailout money?"

"Will you lift the ban on Stem Cell research in your first 100 days in office?"

"What will you do to promote science and mathematics education to Elementary and Middle School students?"

"Will you appoint a Special Prosecutor - ideally Patrick Fitzgerald - to independently investigate the gravest crimes of the Bush Administration, including torture and warrantless wiretapping?"

I want you to get this. Constitutional protections, the Wall Street bailout, stem cell research, elementary and middle school education, and the investigation of torture and warrantless wiretapping by the Bush Administration played second fiddle to a demand for a change in marijuana laws. Not only that, the seventh of the top ten questions reads as follows:

"13 states have compassionate use programs for medial Marijuana, yet the federal gov't continues to prosecute sick and dying people. Isn't it time for the federal gov't to step out of the way and let doctors and families decide what is appropriate?"

trumping questions about our farming policies, use of mercenaries in our military, and “greening’ the environment.

Then there’s this one, just missing the top 10 by one slot:

"The US "War on Drugs" wastes billions every year tracking down and incarcerating non-violent users. What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? How do you feel about treating rather than imprisoning users of harder, addictive drugs?"

Question 12 was one about universal health care. Here is Question 13:

"How will you fix the current war on drugs in America? and will there be any chance of decriminalizing marijuana?"

Question 14 asks the president to preserve Net Neutrality. Here’s question 15:

"What kind of progress can be expected on the decriminalization and legalization for medicinal purposes of marijuana and will you re-prioritize the "War On Drugs" to reflect the need for drug treatment instead of incarceration?"

Questions 16 and 17 reflect requests for solar energy investment, and banking accountability, and 18 reads:

"The U.S. has the world's highest incarceration rate, largely due to the War on Drugs. Our prisons are festering pits of rape, racism, and gang violence, and divert a lot of tax money to the corrupt prison industry. How can we fix this?"

This is followed by a demand to sever the relationship between the FDA and big pharma, and requests for more investment in high-speed passenger rails.

So, here’s a quick tally. Two of the top ten, and six of the top twenty questions addressed our government’s policies surrounding cannabis (recreational and medicinal) and the War on Drugs in general.

It doesn’t end there. Following question 21 about tax incentives to home owners for installing energy efficiency measures we have:

"Would you consider the legalizing of growing hemp (not marijuana) for food, clothing and bio-fuel use?"

and

"Drug control policy in America is a mess, most specifically with regards to marijuana. Federal and state laws are in conflict all over the country. What do you plan to do about this? Will you allow the states to make their own determinations?"

After that folks asked about public transportation, gay marriage, sustainable farming practices, and abuse of executive power. Then we get to questions 28 and 29,

"What about the use of Hemp and finally legalizing marijuana for personal use?"

"If we did not have over 2 million people in jail, many of which on marijuana charges, we would save billions a year and keep families together. Will you commit to a comprehensive drug treatment plan that will help keep families together?"

These two queries just edged out a request to prevent bailout recipients from using the money for lobbying.

Apparently, the arrest of nearly 1,000,000 otherwise law abiding citizens each year for mere possession of cannabis, the relentless persecution of the sick and dying, and the continued incarceration of 1 out of every 100 adults, (and the imprisonment, jailing, probation or parole of 1 out of every 31 adults) is finally getting on peoples nerves,

Yes, these questions will not go away. Lawmakers around the country will have to suck it up and realize that, as Barney Frank put it: this is an area where the public is way ahead of the politicians. And those politicians will eventually have to address issues such as the ones brought up in questions 33 and 34

"What will you do to ensure that the government takes scientific research into account when making laws? Especially when it comes to questions about the legalization of marijuana and the use of medical marijuana."

and

"On the campaign trail, you said you would put an end to the federal raids on medical marijuana patients. Will you implement this policy within the first year of your term?"

Get my point? Are you listening?

To see all 7,300 questions in order of their importance to the voting public go to Open for Questions at Change.Gov.

45 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Sign In or Join to post comments

josiemitchell

at 11:44 on December 13th, 2008

While yes, it seems that there is an overwhelming appearance of marijuana related questions on the Obama site, I don't think it's unwarranted. "The War on Drugs" is costing Americans a lot of money and in many opinions is targeting something they don't believe needs to be targeted, namely marijuana. I think there are plenty of upstanding Americans who abide by the law in most ways but still use marijuana, not to mention the people who use it for medicinal purposes. Having a political system where the rules seem so ridiculous that you go outside of them is not what democracy in the United States was intended for. If you look at it this way, how is marijuana use so very different from the 2nd amendment- the right to bear arms? It's a question of citizen rights. Perhaps it just seems silly because Cheech and Chong are behind it, but still I think marijuana regulation is a valid political question.

Really interesting story, too, thanks!

iogan (not verified)

at 07:58 on June 25th, 2009

Rather useful article for writing academic research papers or to essay about it.

sndrew kilburn (not verified)

at 16:20 on December 13th, 2008

Perhaps information about the formation of the laws against cannabis will begin to circulate as well.. it is literally illegal because some find it 'immoral'. look into it..

Blue Witch (not verified)

at 18:02 on December 14th, 2008

the idea that marijuana is 'immoral' has more religious roots, but has nothing to do with the open possibilities that 'pot', hemp, marijuana can pose for the open, 'free' world. Not only can it be used medically, most importantly the use of THC and it's other chemical properties to stall or reverse the spread of cancer cells. The properties in marijuana help reduce the side effects of some medicines. It reduces cramping and nausea, and helps relieve some other aches and pains in muscles and bones. The idea that Marijuana is 'immoral' has deeper roots created more so by upper middle class people who tend to feel that their look to 'god' will solve their problems. These people would rather go see a psychiatrist and get antidepressants and viagra. Marijuana for now is relatively inexpensive, though there are many different kinds to purchase, and it's Natural. It is also true that some of the less expensive types hold many extra chemicals. If it were legalized, it would be more pure, easily accessible, and more or less affordable. Some states offer open sales and growth of Marijuana for it's citizens. Some offer or have offered useful items such as 'Blue Cards' which make it legal to purchase for medicinal purposes. Marijuana aids with concentration. When you're working on a project, you're more likely to continue with that project until you're done. Driving while under the influence of marijuana keeps you more aware of your surroundings. Now, I'm not saying being 'Stoned' while driving is a good thing. If one wants to be 'stoned' it's best to stay inside at home, but a little high while driving relaxes the driver, there is less anger on the road, less 'road rage' and allows the driver and even passengers to pay more attention because of the current possible repercussions of getting caught. Immorality has nothing to do with pot, but more to do with the ignorance it possesses. Pot doesnt make you want to burn your stuff, or commit suicide. It does though cause you to think, really think about what is going on. I'll agree it does make someone somewhat lazy, but so does not having a job, no money, and no transportation. I agree it should be legalized, and taxed, it will at least have a more pure form. It's mainly the THC that works with the brain and cell chemistry to produce a viable result. Today there are different forms of medical aid using the more pure form of THC to aid in medical side effects from kemotherapy and other radiation therapy.

I live with an individual who has gone through more than enough kemo and radiation in one lifetime, bone marrow transplants and other types of a multitude of blood tests. she gets tired, nauseated, dizzy, crampy, physically unable to move, hungry- but not able to eat, as well as confused 4 out of 5 days a week. The aid that she could get from the use of a 'blue card', medical marijuana, or the chemical THC, would be able to maximize her ability to recover from the many drugs they give her more swiftly and allow her to to be more productive. When she smokes, she uses that 'buzzed' time to write, to work on her websites, to do laundry, and to read. She constantly keeps her mind moving with thought and ideas, though the most of her body is incapable. Without this help, she would be weak, sick and throwing up, doubled over with cramped pain, and not able to eat. Living with a disabled person makes you want to look for alternatives to help relieve the suffering they're going through.

I personally don't care about 'immoral' views. Personally, I believe everyone is entitled to their opinions. Success can be made by man and woman alike, with or without the help of drugs. In my opinion, success comes from your predisposition, the people you know, and how hard you work for it. Being new to unemployment, i know that how hard you work for something doesn't account for anything when the owners want the business to get shut down anyway. Firing me was a blessing, but success may also be attained by a person who dapples with the 'greener' things of life.

and overtip a good waitress or waiter..in texas they get $2.15/hr plus tips, and you make them run around the restaurant. yeah, good excercise, but not worth your sorry ass for a dollar tip. waitstaff remembers that sort of thing. How many would like to buy groceries, pay their electric and water bills, feed their animals, and drive to and from work when on a random night your highest take home is $12.00. Thanks guys.

Marshall Mathisen (not verified)

at 06:43 on December 16th, 2008

It's not illegal because it's immoral. It's illegal because, in the 30's, it was a threat to the pharmacutical and petrochemical industries. And when Nixon saw it was the drug of choice for the anti-war movement, he had it assigned to a schedule 1 status. He hated the hippies that bad.

Look (not verified)

at 11:08 on December 16th, 2008

Actually, it is illegal because of money. Hemp creates six times as much paper pulp per acre than trees. It is also renewable yearly as opposed to the 20-30 years an acre of trees requires to mature to usability. When marijuana prohibition began, International Paper and DuPont (though the last is arguable) spent huge amounts of money lobbying for the criminalization of marijuana cultivation, possession and use. They also funded a large number of the propaganda films of the era (Reefer Madness is only one of many).

Phil E. Drifter (not verified)

at 17:27 on December 13th, 2008

The 'war on (some) drugs' is nothing more than a thinly veiled war on minorities. Follow with me:

1865: the north wins the civil war and outlaws slavery

1866-1900: corrupt, racist politicians pen 'grandfather clauses' (google or wiki it) which prevent the newly freed slaves from actually being able to vote.

1901: grandfather clauses struck down by the supreme court as unconstitutional

1904: ASIANS (and only asians) are barred from operating opium dens. (Because white people had no habit of smoking opium, there were no white-man operated opium dens.)

Hope you get the gist of it. it's not a war on (some) drugs, it's a war on minorities. Of course you have to lock up a few white folk so you don't appear racist, but I assure you, they are white people who don't matter. Even former Philadelphia Police Chief John Timmony's son was busted for driving a truckload of pot in NYC. You think he's serving time? Not on your life; he got 'treatment and probation.'

Read tinyurl.com/1mn and tinyurl.com/potconviction

written by two university law professors IN 1971 before their book 'the marijuana conviction' was published in 1974, and is available now on half.com, just search books for 'the marijuana conviction'

lefty_liberated

at 22:56 on December 13th, 2008

lefty_liberated

at 22:58 on December 13th, 2008

Meinbcbud (not verified)

at 18:02 on December 13th, 2008

It will be interesting to see what his response is on these issues. I am in Western Canada at the crossroads in my province. What the USA does in regards to this issue directly affects our situation and hastens our struggle for complete acceptance on the environmental benefits of Hemp as well as the unrestricted use by the citizens as a whole. It is just a really useful weed actually!

lefty_liberated

at 18:04 on December 13th, 2008

Since Marijuana and Hemp prohibition in the U.S. have racist roots (wasn't it also phased out because of the plastics industry?) it would sure be meaningful for it to fall under a black president.

Dr.Truth (not verified)

at 21:20 on December 13th, 2008

There's 10,000 people and 600,000 votes. Stoners spent the afternoon voting again and again, because they had nothing better to do.

felix R (not verified)

at 22:40 on December 13th, 2008

or each person ranking 60 issues

Fredrick (not verified)

at 00:22 on December 14th, 2008

Really Dr. Truth? Perhaps "truthiness"? Apparently your PhD, Doctorate, or any other terminal degree that you earned from Jerry Falwell's "Liberty University" didnt allow you think critically enough to realize that:

A. This is a concern for many individuals (apparent by the voting block)

B. Not all people who voted more than once are "stoners". That is a false ass-umption. You would probably realize that if you went to a school not dominated by ignorance.

lefty_liberated

at 02:23 on December 14th, 2008

At least 24 million people consume it on average in the U.S.. That's based on older statistics, too (2005).

Beege (not verified)

at 11:56 on December 14th, 2008

stupid, there were many issues to vote on not one.

brandi (not verified)

at 12:26 on December 14th, 2008

65% of people living in my state, Massachusetts, voted yes on ballot question 2, which calls for the decriminalization of Marijuana possession. I hardly believe the majority of these people are stoners. More likey, they have common sense.

Hey Dr! (not verified)

at 07:14 on December 15th, 2008

You sound like a very bitter, uneducated douche.

Marshall Mathisen (not verified)

at 06:49 on December 16th, 2008

There is nothing better to be doing, than to work toward ending this horrible crime against humanity.

A Noone (not verified)

at 10:27 on December 16th, 2008

AMEN Dr! The stoners just didn't go to work for the afternoon because they were too busy smoking pot, getting hungry, binge eating, then sleeping the rest of the day away.

Give me a flipping break! I think there are more important issues to be concerned with other than marijuana legalization!!!!!

marsmath

at 08:45 on December 17th, 2008

A noone, you must be a prison guard.

kablaamee (not verified)

at 15:10 on February 3rd, 2009

start small ;)

A zombie (not verified)

at 05:09 on April 30th, 2009

I really hope you're being sarcastic.

I think it's rather idiotic how people will say things like "pot turns people into unproductive zombies", because apparently, these same stoners who "don't work" and spend all their time "binge eating" and sleeping for hours on end were able to go on the internet and vote up an issue that they believe is important.

What does it say about all you "civilized" and "productive" people who believe marijuana turns people into unthinking couch potatoes, when the "lazy zombies" are apparently being more politically minded and proactive than you are?

Legalize Now (not verified)

at 21:00 on July 14th, 2009

OK, its one thing to state there are other issues to discuss, then to elaborate and actually discuss them... It is entirely another thing to come on here and bash people who support legalization. Ignorant narrow minds like yourself will most always be looked down upon... Your post will inspire resentment, confusion, condemnation and laughter by anyone smarter than you... Please keep your idiotic comments to yourself. Or find a right wing forum to vent your grumbles.

Dreadvenom (not verified)

at 12:19 on December 16th, 2008

Making such an insanely innacurate accusation makes you sound like a complete and udder fool. Your accusation is just showing us all that you are jealous that the top concern of the American people is Marijuana laws and not whatever stupid problem you think is so important. I am guessing you want more rights for homosexuals huh? Well the American people know what's really important, and that's the ending of prohibition. Deal with it kiddo.

Jesse r (not verified)

at 17:06 on December 22nd, 2008

That sounds about right....lol I know I would have....hee heee

G.hO.St (not verified)

at 21:28 on December 13th, 2008

hahaha, i think this would be good if they did pass some decent laws and blah.........no more i quit

Brinna

at 22:10 on December 13th, 2008

There were 10,000 people, and 7,300 questions. Each question could be voted on once (up or down). These weren't 'stoners' (that sad invention of hollywood), these were concerned citizens fed up with a war that has gone on for 70 years, which targets the poor, the sick and minorities, and which benefits only the drug pushers, cartels, breweries, the prison industry and manufactures of drug test kits..