| Graphic: Sensible Washington |
Washington state again has an opportunity to lead the way on ending marijuana prohibition, with organization Sensible Washington gathering signatures to put I-1149, a ballot initiative which would legalize cannabis, on the November ballot.
Sensible Washington is teaming up with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Lawsd (NORML), Cannabis Culture, and a few other organizations on a money bomb with the goal of having some paid signature gatherers to augment the organization’s volunteers.
“The pressure to legalize cannabis and change the political landscape across the nation has fallen squarely on us here in Washington state in 2011,” Sensible Washington said in a June 8 statement. “With that pressure, we refuse to accept failure and are inclined to do what is necessary in order to ensure that the devastating effects of prohibition are put to an end.
“In our second year as an entirely volunteer-driven, non-profit and indisputably grassroots campaign, we have entered a phase in which we need funding to make our way through the corporate-driven maze that our initiative process has become,” the statement reads.
“With proper funding, we can assure we make the ballot this November, where all polls have shown the sensible voters of Washington state will vote to put an end to prohibition — a failed policy that among being a civil rights disaster has resulted in us putting the state’s largest cash crop underground, refusing to legitimize an industry that would generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars throughout the state and nation,” the group said.
“This week, we’re putting out an urgent call to all organizations and individuals who believe in this cause; that cannabis should be a legal substance,” the statement reads. “It’s both a medicine and a safe recreational choice that, despite years of propaganda, has no lethal dose
“For those who understand the necessity of legalization, we call upon you to donate whatever you can to get Initiative 1149 — which ends criminal and civil penalties for adults — on the November ballot,” the group said. “We have a strong, dedicated and extremely proud group of volunteers that have put us in a position to win, but with your help we can augment our gatherers with paid professionals, assuring cannabis legalization in Washington has a better chance of becoming reality.
“Initiative 1149 offers up an opportunity unlike any other we’ve seen in recent years, a chance for true reform, and this is our chance to make a difference,” Sensible Washington said. “However we need the help of everyone. The importance of achieving legalization in even one state and what that means for future attempts cannot be overstated.
“With this call, we are holding a Sensible Washington Money Bomb starting on Wednesday, June 8th and running through Wednesday, June 15th, with the help and sponsorship of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Cannabis Culture, Seattle Hempfest, Tacoma Hempfest, and the Cannabis Freedom March,” the group said. “We can’t afford to wait another year and let this issue remain dormant as the federal government continues to wage war on non-violent citizens.
“We must take action,” the statement reads. “We strongly appreciate anything and everything you can do to help, and you can donate to us directly on our website.
“This is the year that real reform can happen, but only if that reform is given a chance to work,” Sensible Washington said. “Please help our cause. A win in Washington State is a win for anyone who believes in a future where cannabis prohibition is nothing but a distant memory.”
To donate to Sensible Washington’s signature gathering effort, click here.
