Oklahoma Rep Jadine Nollan Re: HB 1835 Marijuana Punishment bill

Along with the much hype about legalization of marijuana in Oklahoma there is a much less talked about, HB 1835 that looks to reduce the penalty for possession of Marijuana. Please feel free to write your Rep...here was my response.   Jadine Nollan Jadine.Nollan@okhouse.gov	8:24 AM (19 hours ago)
to me

ProgressiveOkie,

Thank you for your thoughts and comments.  I will keep them under advisement.  You are absolutely right about our prisons being over crowded.  I believe we do need to look at our non violent offenders policy.

Highest Regards,

Rep.  Jadine Nollan

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 27, 2014, at 2:59 AM , ProgressiveOkie> wrote:
>
>
> Jan 27, 2014
>
> Representative Jadine Nollan
> State Capitol Building, Room 329-A
> 2300 North Lincoln Boulevard
> Oklahoma City, OK 73105
>
> Dear Representative Nollan,
>
> The House Public Safety Committee recently voted unanimously in favor
> of HB 1835, a bill that would amend penalties for possession of
> marijuana in Oklahoma. Presently, our laws are some of the harshest in
> the nation.
>
> HB 1835 would classify first and second offenses for marijuana
> possession as misdemeanors. Under current law, first-time offenses for
> possession are unclassified, and subsequent offenses are felonies with
> two to 10 years of possible jail time. I've seen reports that our state
> has a serious problem with prison overcrowding. Last year, Justin
> Jones, director of the Oklahoma Department of Correction, said he
> doesn't think the state can go any lower with its staff to prisoner
> ratio. He said there isn't enough money to keep up with the volume of
> prisoners.
>
> We only have so many resources in our state, and we should reserve
> two-year prison terms for people who victimize others, not people who
> use a substance that more than 100 million adults in the U.S. have
> tried at least once.
>
> This harsh punishment does not fit the non-violent crime of possessing
> marijuana. Please support HB 1835. Thank you.
>
> Sincerely,

ProgressiveOkie

Marijuana Law reform for Oklahoma in 2014

Lots of stories in the news in papers and on TV. All of the Oklahoma groups for Marijuana reform are reporting more turnout and interest. It really seems like an exciting time for reforming Marijuana in Oklahoma. I've tried to provide a good starting point if you'd like to know whats going on...


Support Constance Johnson 's bill to Legalize marijuana. Sign the petition here. http://norml.org/news/2014/01/21/oklahoma-marijuana-legalization

Oklahoma: Marijuana Legalization Measure Introduced

State Senator Constance Johnson (D-District 48) has introduced Senate Bill 2116, which aims to legalize the possession, cultivation, and retail sale of cannabis to adults. The proposed legislation removes all criminal and civil penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and the personal cultivation of up to 5 marijuana plants by those over the age of 21. The bill would also create a system of retail cannabis outlets, cultivation facilities, and marijuana product manufacturers. You can read the full text of the measure here.
"I think we need to accept the realities that alcohol is a dangerous drug, prescription drugs are dangerous. Marijuana has not killed anyone," stated Senator Johnson.
Oklahoma presently possesses some of the strictest marijuana penalties in the nation. A second offense for minor marijuana possession is classified as felony, punishable by up to ten years incarceration. Cultivation of any amount of cannabis is also classified as a felony and may be punishable by up to life in prison.
According to a 2013 ACLU report, Oklahoma arrests over 10,000 individuals for simple marijuana possession every year, at the cost nearly 30 million dollars. These arrests disproportionately impact minorities. Despite only constituting 7.6% of the state's population and having similar use rates to their white counterparts, African Americans account for 20.8% of the state's marijuana possession arrests.
Please take a moment of your time to easily contact your elected officials in support of this important legislation.
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/51046/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=12848


  H.B. 1835, sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years.

If you live in Oklahoma, please ask your representative to support this sensible reform.
- See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf


According to latest SoonerPoll results, Oklahomans are ready to consider marijuana for medicinal purposes and decriminalization. The poll had support for medical marijuana at 71% and support for decriminalization at 57%. The poll did not ask about legalization.


In addition, two of Johnson’s marijuana-related bills from the 2013 session still are alive, including SB 710, which would legalize medical marijuana.
SB 914 would decriminalize possession of less than an ounce in any situation.


Also coming up Oklahoma legislators will get a different look during a Feb. 12 hearing to discuss scientific evidence about the medical use of cannabis extracts, and listen to families who wish it could be obtained in Oklahoma.

The subject to be discussed has nothing to do with smoking, and it is not a substance people would use to get high. The product that will be discussed is an oil very low in THC — the psychotropic compound of cannabis that produces its notorious “high.”

Instead, the product is produced from cannabis plants specifically bred for a high level of cannabidiol — a compound with a calming effect on the brain. The United States Department of Health and Human Services has itself held a patent on cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants since 2003.

H.B. 1835, sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years - See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

H.B. 1835, sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years.
If you live in Oklahoma, please ask your representative to support this sensible reform.
Although this change is modest, it is still a significant improvement over the status quo. It’s a change that makes both common sense and fiscal sense. It would mean fewer adults would be jailed simply for choosing to use a substance less harmful than alcohol. It would also free up prison space for people who commit serious and violent crimes.
- See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

. H.B. 1835, sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years.
If you live in Oklahoma, please ask your representative to support this sensible reform.
- See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years. - See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

H.B. 1835, sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years - See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

Oklahoma Marijuana Law Reform- Drug Policy Reform Network Meeting in Tulsa

From DPRN-Oklahoma:

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2pm - 4pm, the Drug Policy Reform Network will be meeting at the Gypsy Coffee House, 303 N. MLK Jr. Blvd. (303 N. Cincinnati Ave.), Tulsa, OK.

Everyone is invited to help us plan drug policy activism for 2014.

You don't have to be a member to help, but a $10/year membership is required to vote (see form below this message).

We will also be electing our new board members for 2014.

2014 is undeniably a turning point in the War on Drugs.

The marijuana reform victories around the country are validation of our progress.

Today all people twenty one years or older can use marijuana in Colorado!  That even goes for visitors!

In 2012, Arkansas only missed becoming the first southern medical marijuana state by 2%.  They are already organizing to vote again this coming November.

Recently, Illinois became the 20th medical marijuana state.  A large portion of Illinois population is similar to Oklahoma's.

In contrast, the Oklahoma government has passed even harsher penalties.  Regardless, the changes in other states are increasing support here.

This year, a Sooner Poll found over 70% of Oklahomans support medical marijuana and over 50% support total legalization.

We are the same as the rest of the country.  If we work together the laws will change here too.

Drop by  the Gypsy Coffee House Sat., Jan. 11, 2pm and let's come up with a plan to make it happen.

Our group does not have much money.  Everyone is responsible for the cost of their own food and drinks.

All contributions and membership fees go to the expenses of drug policy reform (i.e. newsletter printing/mailing, event promotion, meeting room rentals, exhibit booth rentals, ballot initiative contributions, etc.)

Participation and volunteerism in our activities is the most important contribution of all.  We encourage non member supporters to be involved with our projects too.  We need your help!

Call 405-762-0882 or email howzkeepa@yahoo.com for more details.

ProgressiveOkie News

               

Oklahoma Rep. Jadine Nollan re: Medical Marijuana

The following is an exchange I'd like to pass on. Please feel free to use my letter as an example of what you would write your representative. .. Now the response from Rep. Nollan isn't the worst I've seen it could be much better so feel free to write her to express your opinion.

Jadine Nollan	Sep 27
to me

Hi ProgressiveOkie,

Thank you for your thoughts regarding this subject. I will keep them under advisement.

Sincerely,

Rep. Jadine Nollan

Sent from my iPad

On Sep 26, 2013, at 3:41 PM,

>
> Sep 26, 2013
>
> Representative Jadine Nollan
> State Capitol Building, Room 329-A
> 2300 North Lincoln Boulevard
> Oklahoma City, OK 73105
>
> Dear Representative Nollan,
>
> A recent poll of voters in Oklahoma has shown that a clear majority
> supports a medical marijuana program for seriously ill patients who
> have the approval of a physician. Sen. Constance Johnson has introduced
> legislation that would establish a regulated program much like those of
> 20 other states and the District of Columbia. As your constituent, I am
> asking you to support her efforts on behalf of patients in our state.
>
> Some have argued that Marinol, a pharmaceutical medicine that contains
> only one of several active medicinal ingredients in marijuana, is an
> adequate substitute. Unfortunately though, many patients who benefit
> from medical marijuana would not benefit from Marinol because it lacks
> important active ingredients that have therapeutic effect for pain
> relief, seizure control, and other serious conditions. It is also
> difficult for nauseated patients to keep down and is more dangerous
> than natural marijuana, since it is pure, synthetic THC.
>
> Nearly three-quarters of Oklahomans want a medical marijuana program,
> and I hope you will take a stand to support the will of the voters.
> Patients who seek an alternative to narcotics should not be made into
> criminals for using a safer medication that for many patients is the
> only thing that works.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> ProgressiveOkie
AS

Oklahoma State Senator Constance Johnson introduced 3 Marijuana bills in 2013

Sen. Constance Johnson, who made headlines recently when she fought to get a hearing for medical marijuana in the Oklahoma Legislature, has filed legislation that calls upon the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision to establish a medical marijuana program in the Sooner State. Separately, she is also sponsoring legislation that would reduce the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Sen. Johnson’s medical marijuana bill, SB 902, is short and to the point. Rather than spelling out all the details in the legislation, the bill simply directs the medical board to develop and adopt rules allowing patients to obtain permission from their doctors to use marijuana and to establish fees for the “licensing, production, distribution, and consumption” of medical marijuana.

Johnson’s other bill, SB 914, would lessen the penalty for possession of 1.5 ounces or less from a maximum of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 to a maximum of 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $200.
We spend too much on wasteful laws aimed at non-violent other wise safe people.
Let us start the conversation with the support of these bills. 

A third bill has been introduced by Sen. Johnson, Senate Bill 710 would allow qualifying patients to use cannabis with a physician's recommendation. Patients would be permitted to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana and cultivate up to twelve marijuana plants. SB 710 would also allow the state to license marijuana dispensaries and cultivation centers.

If you're reading this and wonder what you can do to get the ball moving id urge you to speak out to our Oklahoma lawmakers and tell them you'd like a conversation on Marijuana law reform. 

Here's a link to my petition on change.org for SB 902 and SB 914...check back for an update and new 

petition for SB 710.  

Another national group working in Oklahoma is the Marijuana Policy Project or MPP

I would urge you to check out NORML and this link

***update*** Signon.org is a great platform from moveon.org here's a link to my petition there for Support of Constance Johnson's Marijuana law reform.