Advocates for legalizing pot use 'soft sell' in TV spot
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VANCOUVER, Wash. - The first pro-marijuana TV ad for Washington's fall election starts airing this week in Washington, and the commercial tries a soft-sell approach.
The ad debuts Wednesday at two Seattle TV stations and a cable channel. It never tells voters to support Initiative 502, it never asks them to agree that pot should be legal, it just says let's talk about it.
"I don't like it personally, but it's time for a conversation about legalizing marijuana," Kate Pippinger, the woman in the ad says to the camera.
Casually holding her coffee, Pippinger, identified as a Washington mom, may not like marijuana, but she sure wants to talk about regulating the drug.
"We could tax it to fund schools and health care. Free up police to go after violent crime instead. And we would control the money, not the gangs," she says.
The ad from New Approach Washington targets voters like Christina Cooley.
"I honestly don't pay any attention to the ads," the mother of two from La Center said.
Cooley was watching her son's Pop Warner football practice when a KATU News reporter showed her the commercial on his laptop.
"That was pretty good. It actually made me – I did think about it. ... Right off the bat (the woman in the ad) says she didn't agree with it," Cooley said after watching the ad.
She said she worries marijuana is more likely to reach her kids if it's legal, but she said the ad spoke to her.
"It was a good ad, and it made me think, but still, as a mom with two kids in public schools, I'm going to have to think really hard," she said.
The ad wasn't as successful at swaying parents firmly opposed to the drug.
"It would just send the wrong message to future generations. It would be something I would vote against," said Vancouver resident Mark Sipes.
"I'm too strong against not legalizing it. (It) doesn't work for me,” said Diana Cooper.
But the ad did work on Shannon Giessler who is a mother of two young boys in Vancouver. She said she likes the idea of taxes going to her children's schools.
"Whether it's legal or not people are going to do it so you might as well legalize it, I think, and use the money for good things," she said.
Giessler dismissed the idea that more kids will use the drug even though opponents warn that's exactly what will happen if legalization leads to lower prices.
"The more you have something available the more it's likely to fall in the hands – all you have to do is look at alcohol and see how quickly that falls in the hands of teens," said Tom Parker, a spokesman with Lines for Life.
New Approach Washington is spending $1 million to keep ad the running in the Seattle area for three weeks. It doesn't plan to air ads in the Vancouver area until late September or October.
Supporters of Measure 80, the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, say they have no immediate plans to start running ads, but that could change in mid-September as voters begin to pay more attention to the fall election.
Meanwhile, they are fundraising to pay for ads and other campaign efforts.
Watch the ad:
As a libertarian conservative I'm all for the legalization of marijuana, but if you think you'll ever see it under the democrats, especially given their penchant for trying to control every aspect of your life, then I'd have to ask you 'what are you smoking'. The left likes to tout the "it's my body" meme only when it comes to abortion, otherwise they try to heavily regulate or outright ban all types of comfort foods and food additives that they perceive as not being "healthy" without allowing you any choice at all. The same goes for the ridiculous incandescent light bulb bans (how's that mercury tasting...and the dems used to accuse the repubs of poisoning the wells) and dish washing detergent reformulation ( without the phosphorous...and the cleanliness). What we need is a small and noninvasive government, not the overbearing and expensive jerks we have now.
"I'm too strong against not legalizing it."So she's against....not....legalizing it. Â Did anyone else catch that?Â
Kids get it now, everyone who wants it gets it now and funds the mexican drug cartel.
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Let's stop funding them and get it off the federal list of illegal drugs (a list that shouldn't even exist!)
Yeah for some people who can't control themselves, it's a bad thing. But making drugs illegal has not kept anyone from using them. (well except the people who wouldn't have used them even if they were legal).
Let's stop this stupid "war". There is no war, the government created it with smoke and mirrors as an excuse for another taxpayer funded government agency.
Will legalization prevent kids from getting it? No. But prohibition hasn't prevented it either. In fact it is very easy for kids to get marijuana today as the people selling the drugs illegally don't care how old their customer is, only if they have the money to pay for the product. A legal store will most likely not want to risk a fine and will be more inclined to follow the rules. Having legal options will make the illegal pushers cut their losses and move on to a product that they can make money at. This will reduce the options for the kids to get their hands on marijuana.Â
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Just like kids can still get their hands on alcohol today but it is more difficult thanks to legalization.
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Will legalization prevent crime? No. Crime will always happen and the criminals may or may not be drunk, stoned, or whatever. Legalization will free up the police to track down real crime and stop wasting their time with someone who happens to be enjoying a little buzz but isn't hurting anyone.Â
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And I LOVE the comment directed at those people who enjoy a drink but are opposed to marijuana... hypocrites!
Well Said RKH!!!!
I oppose legalization because i lost my nephew and his family to pothead who decided to drive and crossed the center line at 60 MPH (contrary to the "they only drive too slow" lie).
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I believe DUII should be removed from the books and defined as attempted murder. intoxication should also be an aggravating circumstance instead of a mitigating circumstance in any crime that is committed. Since intoxication is almost always a voluntary act, addiction should be irrelevant in criminal cases. If you can demonstrate that you consumed an intoxicating substance without your knowledge, then you can use it as a defense.
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I also believe that the convicted felon should pay for his/her own incarceration.
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@ShallowEnder Do you know that Marijuana can be detected in a persons blood or urine Two to Four weeks after they last used it? Do you really know for a fact if the person who crashed into your nephews car was under the influence of Marijuana at the Time of the accident?
 @ShallowEnder In light of the unfortunate events that happened to your family, I would think you would be more on the pro legalization side. The measure to legalize marijuana includes a provision to limit driving with a certain amount in the system. Currently, with medical marijuana, people can drive whenever they feel like it. In fact, that is one of their arguments against it. Medical marijuana users don't want further regulation because they argue they will no longer be able to drive "under the influence".
I am pro regulation. While it is currently difficult to measure how much a person is being effected by THC at any moment, I think an increased awareness of impairment that could be caused by smoking is essential, and lacking in our current culture. Legalization will allow for an awareness movement. I don't like that people drive under the influence of ANYTHING! But I don't think keeping pot illegal is the answer.
Not to mention MORE drug testing in the work place. They need to put into law a mandantory drug screen on all employees, at regular intervals, and thoes that test at a certain percentage need to be fired.
 @ShallowEnder They have manslaughter for people who UNINTENTIONALLY take someone else's life. You sound as though you should do a little more thinking on your rational.
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You think 60 is fast? Please don't drive on the freeway. Sounds like driver error in the accident with you nephew. Marijuana does not impair your vision. Have you ever heard of a person who has smoked a bowl failing a sobriety test?Â
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Everyday people smoke pot. Your jaw would hit the ground if you knew all the people who smoke. Business people, police officers, George Washington! for heavens sake.Â
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The government put regulations on it to boost other agricultural crops (ie corn, soy) and make money off fines. Not because it is a dangerous drug. It is impossible to overdose on marijauna too. Can that be said about any other recreational or medical drug?
 @watchingyou The speed limit at the time of the accident was 40. Personally, I've drive the autobahn many times and have no problem with speed.
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My rationale for attempted murder is quite simple (and already recognized in New York): If you become voluntarily intoxicated and operate a motor vehicle, you have acted with depraved indifference for human life, and that substitutes for intent.
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As for sobriety tests, don't make me laugh. I've seen literally hundreds fail them as a commanding officer over an MP unit. I've also seen men hospitalized with THC poisoning from smoking far too much (not a very pretty item by the way.)
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Lastly, Washington grew hemp commercially. there is no evidence whatsoever (and I've read his own letters and papers over the years) for his smoking marijuana.
 @ShallowEnder ""As for sobriety tests, don't make me laugh. I've seen literally hundreds fail them as a commanding officer over an MP unit. I've also seen men hospitalized with THC poisoning from smoking far too much (not a very pretty item by the way.)""
REALLY? I smell B%LLS%*T !!!!! THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE. Nor, Will there EVER be An Officially "REPORTED CASE OF "THC POISONING"". That has NEVER OCCURED IN THE WORLD!!!  WHY?? It CAN NOT HAPPEN..
Because, It is I M P O S S I B L E  to "OVERDOSE" on Marijuana!!!!
As for the failed sobriety tests? Maybe you should have tested for...... wait for it!  A L C O H O L !!!  Now THERE, Is something you REALLY can "OVERDOSE" on!!! But I didn't hear a SQUEAK from you about ALCOHOL... You SIR!! Are an "Uninformed / Misinformed / Manipulated / Uneducated person" Or a LIAR!  Go ahead, Next. You can tell me how "ADDICTIVE" Marijuana is! I can Speak from almost 12 yrs ACTUAL "EXPERIENCE" and almost 21 yrs of ACTUAL "NON- EXPERIENCE" I have not gotten a DUII EVER!! Even while on ACID or 'Shrooms! Came close on ALCOHOL once though! ; ) Hmmm....
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 @ShallowEnder You've seen THC poisoning? Sure you have.
 @ShallowEnder THC poisoning? LMAO. Get real. Thats a good one. lol
@watchingyou @ShallowEnder I support legalization, but let's be realistic here it is still a drug. "Have you ever heard of a person who has smoked a bowl failing a sobriety test" why yes I have, considering that THC can impair concentration, and reaction time among other things it is not too hard to understand how it can be dangerous if used prior to operating a vehicle. Really the only thing I have against legalization of pot is the people who advocate it's legalization.
I could care less if they legalize it or not but I do love reading these comments. Always good for a laugh.
Should be treated like hard liquor & cigarette commercials on tv. There aren't any.
 @TimBurr you clearly do not watch sports. Ads for alcohol are all over the place.
My bad, forgot this was about Washington's law which I oppose because of the arbitrary per se DUI standard that has no solid science supporting it but which would effectively bar any medical cannabis patient from being allowed to drive... ever... even when entirely unimpaired.
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Oregon shows you can have a reasonable legalization initiative without kicking medical cannabis patients in the teeth as you throw them under the bus.
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Vote YES on Oregon's Measure 80.
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Vote YES on Colorado's initiative 64.
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Vote NO on Washington's I-502.
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"I'm too strong against not legalizing it."
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Does she know she said she supports the measure? Can't figure out what the intent of that statement is....
Good catch.
really the only thing that will change is more people will get DUI's due to faulty testing methods, i really have to wonder what will happen to the collectives around here for WMMP where will they get there medibles. not to mention this would make any concentrates illegal, which be believe includes hash
 @Morgan How so? Oregon does not have a per se DUI law, it has an impairment law.
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Where does Measure 80 make concentrates (which would indeed include hash) illegal?
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Far as I know it is still all uses and concentrations and forms that will be legal.Â
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If you believe otherwise would you be so kind as to point out exactly where in the text of Measure 80 you find this?
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Hey folks, I am a libertarian, conservative, gun-nut, *real American* and I am 150,000% FOR LEGALIZING the WEED PLANT that GOD put here as a medicine. I don't care if people use it recreationally. Big deal. We also use beer and coffee recreationally. And you actually "get high" even if you exercise enough!! Wow!
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Now, the federal goobermint needs to stand down and NOT INTERFERE with states rights when they vote this in. And do not forget to vote!
 @pork chop Since when does being a "libertarian, conservative, gun-nut" make you a "real American"? (you forgot "white"), rather egotistical statement I'd say.
"if legalization leads to lower prices"... thats funny right there.
 @donnio It will lower prices because the black market will no longer be involved.
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And you do see in the measure text where it says it will be sold in state stores AT COST, right?
Black markets are often honest "markets" with fluctuations based solely on supply and demand. Give our current government an inch...you'll see.
It would send the 'wrong message'?
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Like 75+ years of a completely failed policy based on racism, greed and lies that has cost over a trillion dollars and 20 million lives down the rathole sends the 'right' message?
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Seriously?
I'd rather have my kids smoking pot than pumping harsh chemicals into their bodies. Once pot is legal, there should be a law prohibiting ANY sale of white powdery substances known to be bath salts in our stores. Store owners should also face jail time for drug trafficking. Just my 2 cents.
 @PDXBEAR AFAIK, bath salts are already schedule 1 in Oregon.
 @UtterReality Good.
Medicinal MJ is still federally illegal. I would like a card but I could end up losing my Social Security Disability money and Medicare. The feds may choose to crack down on card holders, we don't know. THAT needs to be changed. Federalize it. HOWEVER, if it becomes legal in Oregon, I can have some without the card and will be less afraid of losing benefits. It's like when gun owners didn't want to register and be on a list. I choose mj over alcohol. I have kidney disease and bipolar 1, when I feel suicidal mj brings me out of that.
 @Dinibobini Since the federal government handed over responsibility per state, I feel it would not result in any repercussions. I actually know of one person whos been in and out of prison and they still have their benefits.
Do a little research this would be beneficial in so many ways. What's criminal is that we prevent people suffering from pain from using this natural plant. People going through chemotherapy will get a appetite and be able to keep food down. Some eat the marijuana in a product like butter and are able to get a complete nights sleep. The effective/toxicity level of strong medications is incredibly small. While it's virtually impossible to smoke or ingest too much pot (one passes out). The life cycle from seed to ingestion is a thousand times kinder to the ecosystem than the production and manufacturing of medications and the same goes when you compare it with the production and manufacturing of alcohol. Even if people can not agree with these arguments please look into hemp which has such a small THC level that one would need to smoke a joint the size of a telephone pole to get a slight buzz but still is illegal. Research hemp and the incredible uses of it.
The term medical marijuana took on dramatic new meaning in February 2000 when researchers in Madrid announced they had destroyed incurable brain cancer tumors in rats by injecting them with THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.The Madrid study marks only the second time that THC has been administered to tumor-bearing animals; the first was a Virginia investigation 26 years ago. In both studies, the THC shrank or destroyed tumors in a majority of the test subjects.
How about alcohol where people die from alcohol poisoning and so called legal drugs like Oxycodone where people have to go to meth clinics for withdrawals??? It is the pharmacological companies pushing to stop a wonder-drug. It has a lot to do with the government and their patent on cannabis.
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@Farscape Babe......I take oxycodone and I'm not hooked on it. I take it for back and knee pain only at night if I need it to sleep.
 @Bdou  @Farscape That may be the case for you. When I was on methadone and oxycodone for pain I never got addicted. Does not mean they were not horrible for my health. I just do not get addicted to anything.
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Oxycodone is an addictive substance, while cannabis entirely lacks the chemical makeup to be addictive.
Don't kid yourself's, the taxes aren't going to go to schools. They're going to give more benifits to the lazy people and people that "game" the system. The free ride has to stop.
 @Billy Batts Why are you posting like such an ignorant and hateful troll?
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@Neal Feldman @Neal I think the people have to approve this first. Then they'll take the taxes that are supposed to be going to the schools (If that's what "they" say) and give them to the entitled class. So, first things first...Did anyone ever tell you that you look like one of the Freak Brothers?
 @Billy Batts  @Neal  @Neal I can only go by what you present here.
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You still have not in any way supported your initial claim.
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Care to try?
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@Neal Feldman @Neal Refer Madness adherent? I smoke weed, not everyday (not even every week)Â so your assumption is wrong. I have seen the movie "Refer Madness" and thought it had some funny parts but overall it was anti drug propanganda back in the 30's with poor production values.
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Remeber the only safe assumption you make is that your first assumption might be false. This keeps your head level and your mind open.
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 @Billy Batts  @Neal Ah, a 6th grade (at best) response. Typical of Reefer Madness adherents such as yourself.
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And the breakdown of the taxes is right there in the measure. Yes, the legislature could change that, but the same is true of any and all other taxes, so what is your point?
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If the legislature tries to take the revenues for some other purpose that is when we go to the hearings and beat such thefts back.
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I think you really need to look up the definition of the word 'ignorant', as I do not think it means what you seem to think it means.
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Basically all this is is just a way for drug addicts to make it possible to do this without worrying about getting in trouble. Â They are just pushing a big snow job over on everyone by claiming medical uses and talking about taxes and other feel good justifications, but in the end you'll not only have cigarettes to smell as you go about life, but pot as well. Â I think the smell of marijuana is nastier than cigarettes and don't want to be around even more people that are stoned-stupid.
 @dblshot What addicts? You ARE aware that cannabis is entirely non-addictive, right? It lacks the chemical makeup to be addictive.
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Smelling pot at least is healthier than smelling tobacco.
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Far more are 'stoned-stupid' on alcohol which is legal.
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You really need to learn what you are talking about instead of just continuing to spew disproven and debunked Reefer Madness myths.
 @Neal Feldman Interesting.  I've heard that said a billion times, yet the rate of people that I know that have been able to quit pot is about the same as those that that smoke cigs.I have a close friend who has major asthma attacks when she smells marijuana smoke.  I had to give her my inhaler to use when a couple of bikers walked by smoking grass.  Immediately she began wheezing and gasping for breath.  I asked her what was wrong and she gasped that she was terribly allergic to pot and has asthma attacks from it.  She's not allergic to cigarettes but does not smoke them either.
Worse smelling than cigarettes? Oh heck no.  There is NO comparison.Â
@MrAchilles... It smells like a skunk when my son smokes it and if there's a skunk around I can't tell the difference.
 @Bdou So you are of the opinion that just because you do not like something it should be illegal?
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You need some help with your ego.
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