Connecticut took a step toward joining a number of states, including neighboring New York and Massachusetts, that are standing up to the federal government and nullifying federal penalties for simple possession of cannabis through decriminalization initiatives.
While decriminalization is not the same as legalization, it does take away the threat of a criminal record and jail time for simple possession of marijuana, instead making the “offense” punishable by a fine.
The bill passed the Connecticut Senate, but still needs approval by the House before going on to the governor for a signature.
The vote comes days after the Global Commission on Drug Policy issued a report calling for the legal regulation of cannabis.
Lost in the political rhetoric surrounding these initiatives is the fact that they represent overt act of nullification – the right of a state to nullify, or invalidate, any federal law which that state deems unconstitutional.
Marijuana decriminalization is fundamentally no different than a state passing a law to prevent the implementation of ObamaCare, except for the fact that in the health care issue, the proponents of nationalized health care will pull out the race card, claiming that states’ rights advocates want to return the nation back to the days of slavery. Whatever that means.
The irony is that left leaning supporters of decriminalized marijuana and the right leaning supporters of health freedom fundamentally agree with each other and argue for the same thing – the right to decide what is best for themselves on a state by state basis.
The same holds true for just about every civil liberties issue, whether it be reproductive rights, same-sex marriage, food regulations and so on. It is none of the federal government’s business, and if I live in a state that has regulations I don’t care for, I’m free to move to somewhere where the rules better suite my beliefs.
That is what the founders intended.
So kudos to the Connecticut Senate for their standing up to Leviathan, Tenthers everywhere are with you.
Via Memeorandum
