Last 48 Hours! We need Prop 19 volunteers!

Click on the link above to sign up for a shift!

We have 48 hours left before Election Day, which could mean we have only 72 hours left of prohibition, so we need all hands on deck for our final push. As students and young people, we understand the overwhelming failure of the "war on marijuana," and we support reform in overwhelming numbers. If we all show up to vote on Election Day-- we will make history-- while make our communities safer and raising billions of dollars for our state.

Will you invest an hour or more of your time to help change the world?

You can sign up at:

Please join us:

Election Eve - Monday, November 1st
12PM to 1PM - Rally for Common Sense
Mario Savio Steps (Sproul Hall)
UC Berkeley

7 PM - 12 AM - The Final Push
(We're hanging remember to vote doorhangers to students on campus.)
Free Speech Movement (FSM) Cafe on Campus

Election Day:
All Day - Meet at Sather Gate

(You'll see a big banner that says, "Yes on 19."

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My Dear Friends,

I just want you all to know how much I envy you.

We are now counting the legalization of marijuana not in terms of years, months, weeks or days. We are counting the hours. These last one hundred hours of your amazing journey is not the end of the California initiative to legalize cannabis but the beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition in the Western World. Does that sound hyperbolic? California is a nation-state. One out of eight Americans lives in California and it is, by any measure, the spearpoint of world marijuana law reform. So goes California, so goes the United States. So goes the U.S., the Western Hemisphere will follow. The work that you will be doing in the next one hundred hours will likely change the world. That is a very rare thing indeed and if I could be anywhere in the world right now, I would be in California, working right next to you, watching the world change before my eyes.

This is your moment. The historic end of marijuana prohibition is your accomplishment. The activists who have worked for the passage of Prop 19 have created better coalitions, attracted more press and changed more minds that any previous effort. It has been dazzling and inspiring to watch your work from afar. As these last hundred hours count down I want you to remember how many of us are counting on you to work your asses off and push this over the top. The entire staff of High Times magazine joins me in expressing our gratitude, our admiration and our jaw-dropping sense of amazement at your accomplishment. Your accomplishment, not ours. Yours.

I just want you all to know how much I envy you.

You will always have my highest respect and, always remember, you have a bud at High Times magazine.

Rick Cusick
Associate Publisher
High Times

Proposition 19 campaign gets $1 million donation from Geoge Soros....CREAM is right

George Soros, the multibillionaire investor, will donate $1 million to help pass Proposition 19, the marijuana legalization measure, which he endorsed Monday as "a major step forward."

Click on title to view more.

Vote to get YES on 19 Painted on Haight!

The Lower Haight Mural Collective, a group of local artists, galleries, merchants, sponsors, and residents, is planning to paint a giant mural along Haight Street next month — and they want your input.

Click on the title!

Prop 19 Radio Show Wednesday @ 1:30 PM in the Bay Area

Hey everyone,
We had some recorders out at our Prop 19 debate. They were using it as part of their radio show which will be airing Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 1:30 PM in the Bay Area. Just click on the link above and click "Where to listen" on the left tab. (It'll also be aired in other parts of the country!)

CCC covers Berkeley protest

Did you catch this coverage of the UC-Berkeley tuitition protests? Corrections comparisons draw attention... click here for California Corrections Crisis: http://californiacorrectionscrisis.blogspot.com/2010/10/education-protest-has-correctional-edge.html

A Journey Into the Emerald Triangle

awesome video on Humbolt county

California Governor Signs Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

by Phillip Smith, October 01, 2010, 03:25am

Posted in:

• Budgets/Taxes/Economics
• Decriminalization
• Marijuana -- Personal Use
• News Brief
• State & Local Executive Branches
• State & Local Legislatures

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) Thursday signed into law a bill that decriminalizes the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. The bill reduces simple possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction.

Currently, small-time pot possession is "semi-decriminalized" in California. There is no possible jail sentence and a maximum $100 fine. But because possession is a misdemeanor, people caught with pot are "arrested," even if that means only they are served a notice to appear, and they must appear before a court.

That has happened to more than a half million Californians in the last decade, and more than 60,000 last year alone. Every one of them required a court appearance, complete with judge and prosecutor. That costs the cash-strapped state money it desperately needs.

Under the bill signed today, SB 1449, by Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), pot possession will be treated like a traffic ticket. The fine will remain at $100, and there will be no arrest record.

In a signing statement, Schwarzenegger said he opposed decriminalization for personal use—and threw in a gratuitous jab at Proposition 19, the tax and regulate marijuana legalization initiative—but that the state couldn't afford the status quo.

"I am signing this measure because possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is an infraction in everything but name," said Schwarzenegger. "The only difference is that because it is a misdemeanor, a criminal defendant is entitled to a jury trial and a defense attorney. In this time of drastic budget cuts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and the courts cannot afford to expend limited resources prosecuting a crime that carries the same punishment as a traffic ticket."

"Gov. Schwarzenegger deserves credit for sparing the state's taxpayers the cost of prosecuting minor pot offenders," said California NORML director Dale Gieringer. "Californians increasingly recognize that the war on marijuana is a waste of law enforcement resources."

The law goes into effect January 1. Even if Prop 19 passes in November, it leaves in place misdemeanor charges for smoking in public or in the presence of minors. Those misdemeanors would become infractions under the new law.

Sacramento, CA

United States

Michael Garfield is an amazing, harmonic (musician, painter, speaker) aka human! ♥

We are part of collective. A collective beyond Gaia even.
I met Michael at the MAPS conference this past April. If you haven't heard or seen his work, I'd recommend watching this full screen on You Tube. He touches on the evolutionary biology of where we are now. Click on the title to see it!

How to Debate Marijuana User Who is Anti-Prop 19

How to Debate Marijuana User Who is Anti-Prop 19

Opinion by NORML
(September 20, 2010) in Society / Drug Law

By "Radical" Russ Belville

You won't find the word "legalization" in Prop 19... but you will find "It is LAWFUL to possess and cultivate marijuana"

After viewing the Prop 19 “debate” at HempCon and battling many of these Stoners Against Legalization online, I’ve come up with some simple rhetorical tools for dealing with these terribly misguided individuals. Unfotunately, I feel like the YES campaign is making a mistake Democrats make in elections: depending on facts, logic, reason, and people voting for their own best interests.

This is an emotional issue and the NO side is doing a good job stoking fear, confusion, and anger.

They’re playing right out of Karl Rove’s handbook – demonize the opponent (“millionaire Richard Lee!”, “corporate megagrows in Oakland!”) and obfuscate the issues. Our side is fighting within the opponents frames of “Prop 19 vs. Prop 215″ and “corporate control of cannabis” instead of defining the issue as legalization and improvement over the Jim Crow aspects of Prop 215.

Here are my suggestions for attacking the anti-Prop 19 side, fighting their emotion with more powerful emotion, attacking their strengths and using it against them, and redefining the frames.

Begin any question you have for Anti-Legalizers with “I’m a healthy adult without a Prop 215 recommendation; can you tell me why…?” and then ask. For example:

-- “I’m a healthy adult without a Prop 215 recommendation; can you tell me why I should vote against being able to carry an ounce of marijuana on my person?”
-- “I’m a healthy adult without a Prop 215 recommendation; can you tell me why I should vote against being able to grow marijuana in my house?”
-- “I’m a healthy adult without a Prop 215 recommendation; can you tell me why I should vote to keep the risk of getting a criminal misdemeanor record for smoking pot?”

Almost all of their complaints come from the “Prop 19 destroys Prop 215″ myth they’ve been pushing. So hamstring that by pointing out you’re not a Prop 215 patient and neither are 80%-90% of California’s cannabis consumers.

Next, when the Stoner Against Legalization goes into the thicket of “Under Prop 215 this and that is legal and Prop 19 will make it illegal…” you simply respond with:

“Wow, those sound like powers that (LA District Attorney) Steve Cooley and (San Diego District Attorney) Bonnie Dumanis would love to have… so how come they’re asking people to vote NO?”

Hammer on the point that a NO vote on Prop 19 allies you with the cops, prison guards, drug dealers, drug traffickers, enemies of Prop 215 like Cooley, Trutanich, Dumanis, Brown, and Feinstein. ”If Prop 19 does everything you say to Prop 215, why doesn’t Steve Cooley support it?”

When a Stoner Against Legalization tells you about some terrible prediction of life after Prop 19, you can respond with “So that’s why we need to keep arresting and locking people up for marijuana, then?” Never let them off the hook on any of their points without forcing the audience to reconcile the point that a NO vote means “I am voting to keep myself a criminal.”

The Stoner Against Legalization may then try to steer the debate to the “But marijuana is virtually legal in California under Prop 215″ area. There are two quick replies to that notion. First:

“So why, exactly, have 77,000 Californians been arrested, tried, and convicted on marijuana charges in 2009 if marijuana is legal”

Click on title for full article.

Meeting 9/21

I) SSDP West Coast Conference, SF State, Oct. 16-17

ž Register at ssdp.org

ž Enter SSDPbears on the register TONIGHT and get in for ONLY $15

II) International Hemp Expo, THIS SATURDAY, Sep. 25, Cow Palace in SF

ž Jon Perri is looking for SSDP volunteers; you get in for FREE; contact jon@ssdp.org

III) PROP. 19 DEBATE TOMORROW, WED., SEP.22, 10 EVANS, 7 pm

ž Anti: Bishop Ron Allen

ž Pro: Dan Rush

The First Weekly Campaign Update

Hey Everyone.

Check out this campaign update from James Rigdon, field director of the Yes on 19 campaign. All things going as planned, he should be doing one of these every week until the election (42 days!). CalSSDP is partnered with the campaign on campus and could use as much help as possible in getting the word out, so talk with Gabe if you want to help out.

Peace and Love,
Kat

6 Ways Mushrooms Can Save the World

I love fun guys.

Bay Area Yes on 19

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for taking the time to check out what's going on with the Yes on 19 campaign here in the Bay Area. We all have a chance to play a historic role in re-legalizing Cannabis in California this November, something which could easily save California from the social and economic mess it's in.

I hope you will find this blog helpful, no matter who you are or how familiar and enthusiastic you are about the proposition.

On the right side of the page, under the Pages sub-heading, you'll find our Calendar of ongoing events in which you can participate, downloadable campaign materials to print out and use, and contact information to get in touch with the campaign. You'll find information about the proposition including the full text and answers to commonly asked questions, as well as links to donate and to our online store under the More Information section. Find out more about what's going on around the state by checking out the link under the Other Prop 19 Regions area of the site.

This November 2, we all have the opportunity to vote Yes on 110,000 new, green, union jobs; Yes on 1.4 billion in taxes and 300 million in saving per year; Yes on public safety and fiscal responsibility and social justice. This November 2nd, a vote Yes on 19 is a vote Yes for California. It only takes one vote to win this, so EVERY VOTE COUNTS. So, talk to your friends and family, volunteer for the campaign, call our office with any questions or suggestions, buy a tshirt, donate to the cause, and do whatever you can to make sure that every vote this November is a vote Yes on 19!

Together, Yes We Cannabis!
Kat Murti
Bay Area Regional Director,
Yes on 19, Tax and Control Cannabis,
1776 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Call/Text: 214-542-4056 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 214-542-4056 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
yeson19.com

Berkeley Copwatch Event: "Know Your Rights"

Do you know what to do when confronted by the police? Do you know what rights you have during a run-in with the law? Unfortunately most people don't... even Constitution-thumping libertarians!

Fortunately, members of the Berkeley community will soon have the opportunity tog get educated on this topic. On Wednesday, September 29th, representatives from Berkeley Copwatch will talk to Students for Liberty about the rights citizens h...ave when dealing with the police and how to effectively handle a run-in with the law.

Copwatch is a network of activist organizations in Canada and the United States that observe and document police activity while looking for signs of police misconduct and police brutality. They believe that monitoring police activity on the streets is a way to prevent police brutality. Berkeley's Copwatch chapter was the first one ever created, and thus their representatives have extensive knowledge on their field of expertise.

As always, everyone is wholeheartedly encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!

PROP 19 DEBATE at CAL!

Should California legalize cannabis?

With Prop 19 on the ballot this November 2^nd (deadline to register to vote is Oct. 16) people have been debating whether or not it is time to legalize the safest drug known to man (that is ironically Schedule One and has a death toll lower than that of Tylenol) and California’s number one cash crop: that’s right MARIJUANA.

On Wednesday, September 22^nd at 7 pm CalSSDP will be cosponsoring a debate on Prop 19 with SFL (Students for Liberty), the CalDemocrats, the CalRepublicans, and the ACLU (Americans for Civil Liberties Union). The pro side will consist of Dan Rush, who is in charge of special operations for UFCW Local 5, and Bishop Ron Allen will be representing the opposition.

For more info on the speakers check out these links:

Dan Rush http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2010/05/california_medical_marijuana_workers_form_union.php

Bishop Ron Allen

http://www.alternet.org/drugs/147829/crazy_man_leads_opposition_to_marijuana_legalization_in_california

SSDP is looking for volunteers! To help with the Prop 19 campaign, join the Facebook group for invitations to our upcoming events AND/OR email calssdp@gmail.com with “Prop 19 Volunteer” as the subject.

Don’t forget to invite your friends!

Meeting Notes 9/7

I) Introduction

ž Promote treating drug policy as a public health issue as opposed to a criminal justice

ž Our chapter was re-started in 2008

ž Our group is for the most part focused on campaigning:

- Prop. 19

- Good Samaritan

ž We do a lot of speaking events as well, featuring speakers from Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, and Yes on Prop. 19

ž We also do a lot of movie screenings; see calssdp.blogspot.com for some movies we’ve shown in the past

II) Events

ž Our events are always posted on our blog, on facebook, and on our google calander

ž TOMORROW, Wed. 9/8 at 4pm in Wheeler Auditorium there will be a speaker from the Yes on 19 campaign

ž Outreach Meeting this Sun. 9/12 at 12pm, meet in front of Dwinelle

ž SSDP Picnic Sun. 9/19

ž Wed. 9/22, we will be having a debate on Prop. 19 which will be co-sponsored by Students for Liberty and other groups on campus

ž We are also planning a day of action on Tues. 9/21; more on this later

ž SSDP West Coast Regional Conference, Sat. 10/16 at San Francisco State University

III) Campaigns

ž Prop. 19

- On the ballot Nov. 2; if you aren’t registered, ask a board member for a registration form!!!!

- Would legalize possession of cannabis for adults 21+ of up to 1 ounce; possession of 5 X 5 ft. plants for personal use; counties will also have the option of allowing for cannabis sale within their campaign

- Events promoting Yes on 19:

ž TOMORROW, Wed. 9/8 at 4pm in Wheeler Auditorium there will be a speaker from the Yes on 19

ž Wed. 9/22, we will be having a debate on Prop. 19 which will be co-sponsored by Students for Liberty and other groups on campus

- We are also planning a day of action on Tues. 9/21; more on this later

ž There will be several events around phone-banking on behalf of the Yes on 19 campaign

ž Good Samaritan

- Would provide amnesty concerning drug use and possession for someone who calls 911 in the case of medical emergency involving illicit drug use

- This will be the campaign we will be focusing on after the election on Nov. 2

IV) Tabling and Outreach

ž Outreach Meeting this Sun. 9/12 at 12pm, meet in front of Dwinelle

- Will focus on tabling, canvassing, doing class wraps, and phone-banking

Germany to Approve Sativex, But Not Medical Marijuana

The health ministry also approved adding "cannabis extract (extract obtained from plants and parts of plants belonging to the species cannabis) in preparations approved as medicines" to Annex III of the drug law. That means that Sativex, a sublingual marijuana extract composed primarily of the compounds Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol, will qualify as medicine under German law, and that its maker, Britain-based GW Pharma, can now apply to market it there.

Click title to continue article...

Of couse big pharma can do this. Well I shouldn't say of course because that is implicitly supporting it. But when money has this kind of pull...

Legalize marijuana to stop the drug cartels by Gary Johnson

There were 72 bodies found on a ranch 90 miles south of the Texas border -- obvious victims of a drug cartel massacre. Bullets have been hitting public buildings in El Paso and the Washington Post is reporting that at least $20 billion a year in cash is being smuggled across the U. S. border each year. What is it going to take to convince the federal government that current drug policies are not working? The fact is that the current drug laws are contributing to an all-out war on our southern border - all in the name of a modern-day prohibition that is no more logical or realistic than the one we abandoned 75 years ago?

Click on the title to read more...

5 Great Anti-Drug War Videos

Originally posted at AlterNet

HEMP HOUSE!

House made out of hemp. YES for the environment!