Lowest Law Enforcement Priority Campaigns
Our Lowest Law Enforcement Campaigns are similar to successful
measures passed in other communities across the country. If approved by voters,
the measure would create a town ordinance making marijuana law enforcement aimed
at adults the city's lowest law enforcement priority.
These measures would bar police and other city/town employees from being
deputized or commissioned by the DEA, requiring them to participate in
enforcement of marijuana laws against adults and would also bar the city from
accepting state or federal funds that require them to be used to enforce
marijuana laws.
Maine could save big money by not arresting and prosecuting marijuana offenders.
In 2002 police in Maine arrested 611 people for crimes involving more than one
ounce of marijuana and 2805 people for possession of less than an ounce. Each
offender processed through the Court costs nearly $4500. In total the state of
Maine spent roughly $15 million on marijuana related law enforcement activities.
We currently have campaigns underway in the following town(s):
Please see our sample text for a local ordinance. Keep in mind also that this type of campaign can also be run in support of a simple resolution
Public Statement of Support
One of our goals for 2007 is to get 5000 people in the state to sign a public declaration of support for the work of the Maine Marijuana Policy Initiative. We will list these names on our website and this will allow people to find out who else is a public supporter of our work. We feel strongly that until people are willing to be public with their support, then it will remain a much harder challenge to get elected officials to work on our behalf. If you are willing to get your friends, family members, co-workers, schoolmates, etc. to sign our pledge cards, let us know and we will send a packet out to you.
Movie Screenings/Discussions
One of the best ways to get a local organizing effort under
way is to hold a movie screening that touches upon the issue you are organizing.
Grass is a great documentary on the history of marijuana
prohibition
Cannabis Rising takes a touristy look at how they view this issue
in the Netherlands.
Reefer Madness shows
just how ridiculous government propaganda can be.
If you are part of a community/faith based/civic/student etc group, and can help
us organize a screening in your community, please contact us. All we need from
your end is a venue, a TV screen and DVD player, (plus a willingness to help us
spread the word).
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