Legal pot backers in Ore. look to the future, national discussion
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EUGENE, Ore. - Measure 80, the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, didn't pass in Oregon - but supporters say it's not the end.
"Marijuana prohibition is going to end, the only question is when," says Measure 80 supporter James Greig.
Smoking marijuana for medicinal reasons became legal in the state of Oregon in 1998 and Measure 80 would have taken the law a step further.
Although the law fell short in here in Oregon, similar bills passed in Washington and Colorado. Many think those states will set the tone.
"I hope it stimulates a conversation at the national level," adds Greig.
With Washington voting to legalize marijuana, the day when Oregonians can take a short trip north on Interstate 5 to get marijuana legally is not so far away.
- Related story: Legal pot backers to take cause to Salem
- Legal marijuana showing cracks in "War on Drugs"?
So what does law enforcement think about that?
"It may or may not bring more into the state or not. It doesn't really matter to us, we are just going to continue to do what we've been doing," say Sgt. Alan Gilbert with Oregon State Police.
That means enforcing the law.
"You can not possess it. Depending on the amount, where its less than an ounce, it's a violation or it's more than an ounce, which becomes a crime. We are going to enforce it just like we have in the past," adds Sgt. Gilbert.
It's really sad. They vote for legal pot, they vote for abortions, they vote for union control, they vote for taxes, they vote for gay power, they vote for open marriages, they vote for unicorns and rainbows. They DON'T care about the deficit (taxes) or the economy (jobs) or workersâ rights or energy independence. **secret** Even if Romney had won, you would have everything in the first sentence except union control.
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 @KHEB Its really nice. They voted for an end to an expensive war on a plant, they voted for women's rights. They upheld the rights for workers to form a union, they voted for equal rights, they voted for all the great things this nation should be about. They DON'T care about making the rich richer (wall street) or tax break for big corporations who ship jobs overseas. **secret** If Romney would have won, non of those things would have happened.Â
 @fulcrum ...amazing how 2 people can think so differently and still inhabit the same planet....peacefully that is....
Got to love that pick of the big green bud, and Obama looking over at it in the add! With the content smile that someones giving him a ride to the store for some ding dongs or crunchy cheetos, he does look a little pie-eyed!
Pot addiction is not good for people.....They need to seek rehab. Â Â
it seems to me that the use should be up to the individual. Like fatty foods, tobacco, alcohol and unsafe vehicles. When it affects the safety of another, draw the line. But while at home, its no ones business, unlike Mr. Bauer. Thats just arrogant. I dont smoke it but like same sex marriages, shame on anyone who tells others not to.
This headline made me laugh....http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/8/mexico-reconsider-smuggling-new-pot-laws-colo-wash/.
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But, it does show unintended consequences...Mexico could become a legal exporter?
Here's a solution that will make everyone happy.
The political loser potheads can now easily move to Washington and smoke themselves into an even deeper fog.
Lot easier than all that hard work trying to get it passed here again.
See? you get what you want and the normal Oregonians get to be rid of you.
You are welcome.
 @Jack_Bauer Naw, more fun to stay here and just drive across.  Just like we did in MN at 18 - drive over to WI and drink legally. (MN was 19 at the time)
 @Jack_Bauer Oh holy one, will you please bless me again with all your wisdom
I can see the feds issue... your opening a can of worms.. every large scale illegal pot operation would fall under the federal jurisdiction. and possibly federal investigation. costing Federal government millions to patrol something that only Washington state is making money on.
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 @Rey Arteb The opportunity for selective enforcement is staggering.
Legalize it and end this BS prohibition .
 @LostSoul trying to.. but the criminals keep trying to find an angle to make a buck, ruining it for everyone else.Â
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@Rey Arteb close the border or shoot anyone caught jumping it
@oodathunked only if OR or WA border mexico
 @LostSoul Would that be between WA and OR?
I live in Washington State where local, state and others are crying their little eyes out pertaining to the passage of recreational use of marijuana. The L.E. is actively pursing a major grow op. where I live and now they are sniveling they don't know what to do about their investigation that has been going on for a month. I bet their idea of a major grow op. consists of a few plants in a garage etc.! Since the initiative 502 passed none of us fully understand anything pertaining to legalization whatsoever.
 @Funky-Munky legalization means the police dont have to spend time on chasing Stoned Lazy pot smokers and should go back to detective work and catching criminals.
 @Rey Arteb Read below my comment.... local, state and others are still active regardless of legalization...
The reality in Washington State nothing whatsoever has changed pertaining to the passage of I-502! Nobody understands the Federal Governments position whatsoever and there has been NO comment by our leaders whatsoever. Our leaders are cowards and are afraid to say anything besides I dunno. If the Federal Government overrides the voters wishes what does that say about the Federal Government?
 @Funky-Munky The way I see it... The federal government does not give a rats ass if you smoke weed. They only care about your source. It seems as if they have an agenda. Don't allow us to produce our own. You can smoke all day, smoke all night, just don't throw some seeds (see clones) in a pot of soil (see pot of gold). Keep supporting Mexico.
 @Funky-Munky do you expect pot in the stores the next day?
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you realize it will take months to set up farms and harvest crops.
you will be lucky to see anything for sale before 2014, and thats if the FEDS dont get involved.
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 @Rey Arteb Nope, I expect the war on marijuana in my state to come to a complete end. I also expect if the Federal Government wishes to do something about marijuana in my state.... bring their A game. I am ready for the showdown! :D)
 @Funky-Munky Should be interesting. Medical use has been illegal also, and the feds have looked the other way. Federal law trumps state law, but if they are not going to enforce, doesn't this open a hole can of worms? Equal justice under the law.
Equal justice under the law? You mean like in immigration law?