Marijuana Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                 

JANUARY 5, 2010

Comedy Icons Cheech & Chong to Highlight Marijuana Policy Project’s 15^th Anniversary Gala

Celebrity guests and politicians will help celebrate MPP’s remarkable passage of improved marijuana laws in ‘15 states in 15 years’

CONTACT: Mike Meno, MPP assistant director of communications …… 202-905-2030 or [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Marijuana Policy Project’s 15^th anniversary gala will be held Wednesday, January 13^th in Washington, D.C.  The event will celebrate past achievements and announce the organization’s new national strategy, including a congressional bill to end marijuana prohibition on the federal level.  This year’s gala features guest speakers such as former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), actor Hal Sparks, and legendary comedians Cheech & Chong.

         “2009 was the best year for marijuana policy reform in U.S. history, and the future has never looked brighter,” said Rob Kampia, MPP’s executive director and co-founder. “Perhaps 2010 will be the year our politicians finally get on board with the rest of America and once and for all end our country’s failed marijuana policies.” 

         When MPP was founded in 1995, medical marijuana was illegal in all 50 states.  Since then, 13 states have passed medical marijuana laws, with Michigan becoming the 13th state in November 2008.  By the end of 2010, MPP is hopeful that medical marijuana will be legal in 15 states (with passage in New York and New Jersey) and the District of Columbia. MPP also remains hopeful that the number of states with decriminalization laws will jump from 13 to 15 in 2010 (with Rhode Island and Vermont becoming the 14th and 15th states).  

         WHAT: The Marijuana Policy Project’s 15th Anniversary Gala

         WHEN: January 13, 2010. Reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

         WHERE: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 20001

         Tickets cost $250 each, or $2,000 for a table. 

         With more than 29,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit www.mpp.org.

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Dear friends:

By any measure, 2009 was the best year for marijuana policy reform in U.S. history. Check out these 10 signs of progress, most of which have been spearheaded by MPP:

1.     The governments of Massachusetts and Michigan implemented the ballot initiatives we passed in these two states on November 4, 2008. As a result, marijuana possession is now a $100 ticketable offense in Massachusetts, and the possession and cultivation of medical marijuana is now legal in Michigan.

2.     On October 19, the Obama administration announced that the DEA and the Justice Department would de-prioritize any new raids of medical marijuana establishments in California and elsewhere that are abiding by state law. This is the most significant, positive change in federal marijuana policy in 31 years!

3.     On November 10, the American Medical Association rescinded its previous support of classifying marijuana alongside LSD, PCP, and heroin under federal law.

4.     MPP has made significant progress on medical marijuana bills in Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New York. If we succeed in seven states between now and the summer of 2011 — which is actually looking likely at this point — the number of medical marijuana states will jump from 13 to 20.

5.     We've already collected 200,000 of the 250,000 signatures that are needed in Arizona to place on the November 2010 ballot an initiative to legalize medical marijuana, including authorizing 120 dispensaries statewide, which would give Arizona the best medical marijuana law in the country. Fully 65% of Arizona voters support this initiative.

6.     In California, a bill to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol is pending in the state Assembly, the introduction of which generated a huge wave of positive news coverage nationwide, which we followed up with a TV ad that generated an even bigger wave of news coverage. We're working to build support for this landmark piece of legislation, which has a chance to pass out of committee in January.

7.     MPP opened an office in Las Vegas, for the purpose of building a statewide coalition to pass a ballot initiative to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol. We plan to pass this initiative in November 2012, which would give Nevada the best marijuana law in the world.

8.     Other than California and Nevada, there are at least four other states that are now in play for being the first to end marijuana prohibition entirely: (1) Colorado, which has seen an explosion of medical marijuana dispensaries since January and is now polling at 48% in favor of regulating marijuana like alcohol; (2) Rhode Island, which recently overrode its governor's veto in order to legalize medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, and which has since launched a study commission to draft a bill to regulate marijuana like alcohol; (3) New Hampshire, where a bill to regulate and tax marijuana has been introduced for the 2010 session; and (4) Washington state, where six representatives have prefiled a bill to tax and regulate marijuana.

9.     After 11 years of MPP's congressional lobbying efforts, the U.S. Congress finally removed the federal ban on implementing Washington, D.C.'s medical marijuana law. Medical marijuana could be available in our nation's capital starting this spring.

10.   And it looks like, finally, we'll soon have a bill introduced in Congress that would wipe out marijuana prohibition entirely on the federal level, which is our ultimate goal in Washington, D.C. This will take years to pass, so we might as well get started now.

Our accomplishments in 2009 were made possible by the generous support of our 29,000 members. Please help us kick off 2010 with a bang by making a donation today. 

Sincerely,

MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                                                                                               

January 4, 2010

Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws to Unveil 2012 Ballot Initiative to Tax and Regulate Marijuana in Nevada on Wednesday

Press conference on steps of State Capitol building will discuss the most far-reaching proposal in history to regulate marijuana

CONTACT: Dave Schwartz, NSML Campaign Manager ……………702-727-1081 or [email protected]

CARSON CITY, NEVADA — On Wednesday, Jan. 6, on the steps of the Nevada State Capitol building in Carson City, Dave Schwartz, the campaign manager for Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws, will discuss the details of a 2012 ballot initiative to establish a taxed and regulated marijuana market for adults 21 years of age and older in the state of Nevada. The press conference will occur immediately after Schwartz submits the initiative petition to the Secretary of State. Submission to the Secretary of State is a prerequisite to circulating the petition throughout the state.  The campaign will need to collect 97.002 signatures by November 2010 in order to qualify for the November 2012 ballot. Schwartz will also unveil the campaign’s Web site, which will serve as a key educational and organizing tool over coming years.

         “We are excited to be launching this historic campaign,” Schwartz said prior to the press conference. “We have literally spent months drafting this initiative and believe it is the best marijuana-related initiative ever proposed. We are fully confident that we will qualify for the ballot and will garner majority support in 2012.  As we embark on our signature drive, we are determined to use every interaction with Nevada residents to educate them about one simple fact: Marijuana, by every objective measure, is a safer substance than alcohol. We will encourage voters to consider this fact and decide for themselves whether it makes sense to allow adults to use alcohol freely, but punish them if they choose to use a less harmful substance, marijuana.”   

         WHO: Dave Schwartz, campaign manager, Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws

         WHAT: Press conference to discuss NSML’s 2012 ballot initiative      

         WHERE: The steps of the Nevada State Capitol, 101 N. Carson Street, Carson City, NV

         WHEN: Wednesday, January 6, at 1:00 p.m.

Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws is a ballot advocacy group formed in Nevada to support a 2012 ballot initiative to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol in the state.

Dear friends:

Our 15th Anniversary Gala, on January 13 in Washington, D.C., will honor the dedicated legislators, celebrities, and patients who have fought for an end to marijuana prohibition. Have you reserved your ticket yet?

Here are just a few highlights from our program for the night:

• Comedy icons Cheech and Chong will be honored with the Trailblazer Award for drawing attention to the movement.
• Former Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico — a fierce advocate for medical marijuana access — will speak about his vision for ending marijuana prohibition.
• We'll present awards to legislators, a patient, and a physician for outstanding advocacy and leadership in marijuana policy reform.

Please join us in toasting 15 years of remarkable progress. Reserve your ticket to our 15th Anniversary Gala today.

I look forward to seeing you on January 13.

Sincerely,

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

P.S. There are only eight days left in our matching campaign! A major philanthropist has committed to match the first $2.35 million that MPP can raise in 2009. Make twice the impact and donate today.

Dear friends:

A few weeks ago, I asked you to imagine a day when people can use marijuana without fear of arrest and prison.

A day when cancer and AIDS patients using marijuana to ease their pain aren't terrified of losing their homes if caught.

A day when marijuana is treated like alcohol and is taxed, regulated, and legal.

If you were waiting for the best possible moment to make your gift count, now is that moment. There's no doubt that 2009 has been the best year so far in the history of marijuana policy reform. But with the recent changes in marijuana laws in Washington, D.C., we can see that 2010 is going to be even bigger.

Here's how you can help make your holiday wish come true. Please select your wish from the list below, and your gift will help us to end marijuana prohibition for good. And if you give during the next nine days, a generous philanthropist will double it.

• My wish is for all medical marijuana patients to be able to get their medicine from a safe, legal dispensary. My gift: $25 (worth $50).
• My wish is to no longer have to fear the arrest and imprisonment of my friends and family who choose to use a substance safer than alcohol. My gift: $50 (worth $100).
• My wish is for the federal government to stop blocking the research needed to put marijuana through the FDA approval process. My gift: $100 (worth $200).
• My wish is to end marijuana prohibition, plain and simple. My gift: $1,000 (worth $2,000).

David, this is our moment. We have to be ready. Now is the time to send your most generous gift.

Sincerely,

Dear friends:

Sincerely,

Rob and all of us at the Marijuana Policy Project

P.S. If you would like to learn more about what you've helped us accomplish this year, please read our list of the top 10 signs of progress in 2009.

 

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                                                                                   

DECEMBER 9, 2009

MPP of Nevada Announces Formation of Ballot Advocacy Group – Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws

Following unsuccessful ballot initiatives to tax and regulate marijuana in 2002 and 2006, group prepares for victory in November 2012

CONTACT: Dave Schwartz, MPP-NV Manager……………………………………………702-727-1081

LAS VEGAS — Today, Dave Schwartz, manager of the Marijuana Policy Project of Nevada (MPP-NV), announced that he has filed documents with the Nevada Secretary of State establishing a Ballot Advocacy Group to support a ballot initiative to create a legal, regulated market for marijuana for persons 21 years of age or older.  The name of the committee is Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws, and it has been organized with the goal of conducting a successful signature drive in 2010 that will place an initiative on the ballot in November 2012.  The committee plans to file the language of the initiative with the state in January.

         “As a long-time resident of Nevada, I am excited to be a part of this campaign,” said Schwartz, who will serve as chairman of Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws.  “Over the next three years, we will be meeting with and talking to voters all across the state about the harms caused by our current marijuana laws.  We will talk about lost revenues, wasted law enforcement resources, and the fact that keeping marijuana illegal actually steers kids into an illicit market where they are exposed to far more dangerous drugs.  Most of all, we will ask Nevadans to think about how we are actually steering adults toward a far more harmful substance – alcohol – by threatening to punish them if they choose to use marijuana instead.  In so many ways, our current laws simply don’t make sense.  We need sensible marijuana laws, and that is what our initiative will produce.”

         MPP of Nevada is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Nevadans about the true nature of marijuana and about the harms caused by marijuana prohibition in the state. For more information about MPP of Nevada, please visit http://www.mppnv.org. 

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MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                                                                                               

DECEMBER 7, 2009

MPP of Nevada to Make Major Announcement About Electoral Plans on Wednesday

Following ballot initiatives to tax and regulate marijuana in the state in 2002 and 2006, MPP prepares for next step in fight to make marijuana legal in Nevada

CONTACT: Dave Schwartz,  MPP-NV Manager……………………………………………702-727-1081

LAS VEGAS — On Wednesday, December 9, the Marijuana Policy Project of Nevada (MPP-NV) will make a major announcement about its intentions in the state in the coming years.  Dave Schwartz, manager of MPP-NV, will make the announcement at a press conference in front of the Clark County Government Center at 11:00 am. While the specific details of the organization’s plan will not be revealed until Wednesday, Schwartz has hinted that a ballot measure to tax and regulate may be in the stars.

“Residents of this great state know we have been pushing for more sensible marijuana laws in this state for some time now,” said Schwartz prior to the press conference. “We are excited to be launching the next step in this journey and look forward to working with supporters all across Nevada.  For too long, we have accepted laws that allow adults to use alcohol freely, but punish them if the choose to use a less harmful substance, marijuana.  Our marijuana laws simply don’t make sense and it is time to enact a new system.”

Who:     Dave Schwartz, manager, Marijuana Policy Project of Nevada

What:    Press conference to discuss organization’s future plans

When:   Wednesday, December 9 at 11:00 am.

Where:  Clark County Government Center, 500 South Grand Central Parkway

         MPP of Nevada is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Nevadans about the true nature of marijuana and about the harms caused by marijuana prohibition in the state. For more information about MPP of Nevada, please visit http://www.mppnv.org. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                   

NOVEMBER 19, 2009

Marijuana Policy Project’s 15^th Anniversary Gala to Celebrate ‘15 States in 15 Years’

Celebrity guests and other prominent figures will help celebrate MPP’s remarkable passage of improved marijuana laws in 15 states in 15 years

CONTACT: Mike Meno, MPP assistant director of communications …… 202-905-2030 or [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Marijuana Policy Project, America’s largest marijuana policy reform organization, will look back on 15 productive years of improving marijuana laws at a January 13 gala that will feature guest speakers such as talk show host Montel Williams. The star-studded host committee includes Melissa Etheridge, Tom Robbins, Bill Maher, Ben Taylor, Steve Buscemi, Susan Sarandon, Lewis Black, Nicole Atkins, Margaret Cho, Mark Leno, Hal Sparks, Ani DiFranco, Garry Trudeau, and Medeski, Martin and Wood, along with many other prominent supporters.     

         When MPP was founded in 1995, medical marijuana was illegal in all 50 states.  Since then, 13 states have passed medical marijuana laws, with Michigan becoming the 13th state in November 2008, when Michigan voters passed MPP's ballot initiative by a 63% to 37% margin.  By the end of 2010, MPP is hopeful that medical marijuana will be legal in 15 states (with passage in New York and New Jersey).

         At the same time, marijuana possession is now decriminalized in 13 states, with Massachusetts becoming the 13th state in November 2008, when Massachusetts voters passed MPP's ballot initiative by a 65% to 35% margin.  In 2010, MPP is hopeful that marijuana will be decriminalized in 15 states (with Rhode Island and Vermont becoming the 14th and 15th states).

         WHAT: The Marijuana Policy Project’s 15th Anniversary Celebration

         WHEN: January 13, 2010. Press Availability from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

                        Reception from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Dinner from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m.

         WHERE: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 20001

         Tickets cost $250 each, or $2,000 for a table.

         With more than 29,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.

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Dear friends:

Please join MPP staff, supporters, and celebrity guests in toasting 15 years of remarkable progress in the movement toward ending marijuana prohibition. Reserve your ticket to our 15th Anniversary Gala today.

WHAT: MPP’s 15th Anniversary Gala

WHEN/WHERE: January 13 in Washington, D.C.

HOW: Find more information here.

The event’s theme? 15 states in 15 years. When MPP was founded in 1995, medical marijuana was illegal in all 50 states. Since then, 13 states have legalized medical marijuana and 13 have decriminalized marijuana possession. By the end of MPP’s 15th year in 2010, we’re hopeful that medical marijuana will be legal in 15 states, and that marijuana possession will be decriminalized in 15 states.

Our honorary host committee for the event includes Melissa Etheridge, Susan Sarandon, Montel Williams, Ani DiFranco, Bill Maher, Steve Buscemi, Tom Robbins, and more.

Still not sure? Watch this video invitation, created by honorary host Hal Sparks:

Please reverse your tickets today! 

By the way, if you’d like to join the host committee for the event, please e-mail MPP’s Leah Harris at [email protected] for more information.

I look forward to seeing you on January 13.

Sincerely,

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

P.S. As I’ve mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $2.35 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2009. This means that your donation today will be doubled.