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The first online-only news site in state history to get media credentials to cover the state capitol and Seattle city hall, PubliCola has been called a “must-read” by the Seattle Post Intelligencer and a hot “New Media Mover and Shaker” by Seattle Magazine—which also cited our own Erica C. Barnett as the city's No. 1 news nerd.

Extra Buzz, er Fizz: Rep. Dickerson Marijuana Bill Getting Attention

News   December 17, 2009 at 11:12 am Josh Feit

Seattle State Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson’s (D-36) bill to legalize marijuana (aimed at creating sales tax revenue for drug treatment programs) got noticed by the California press corps where there’s a similar, but apparently, less potent bill.

The article mostly gives the microphone to one of Rep. Dickerson’s co-sponsors, east side Seattle Rep. Roger Goodman (D-45) who tells California’s Capitol Weekly:

“Decriminalization is a step in the right direction,” Goodman said. “We’re still punishing people, but were punishing them less. But meanwhile the illegal market thrives.”

Goodman said he thinks his bill may have a better chance—though it will also have to survive a trip through a public safety committee, this one chaired by a law-and-order legislator who doesn’t want to let it out. He said that polls show support for marijuana legalization in Washington is in the high 50s, similar to California.

Thanks Washbucket.


  • Mikos

    If my understanding is correct, Dickerson’s proposal is not decriminalization but legalization. As Goodman says, minimizing the penalties for marijuana possession is an easier sell — but I don’t think there is any revenue in it. A discussion about legalization will be much tougher politically, legally, you name it. You can’t assume that former pot-smoking baby boomers (like me) will overwhelmingly support it. On the other hand, I believe most think decriminalization is long overdue.

  • Mikos

    If my understanding is correct, Dickerson’s proposal is not decriminalization but legalization. As Goodman says, minimizing the penalties for marijuana possession is an easier sell — but I don’t think there is any revenue in it. A discussion about legalization will be much tougher politically, legally, you name it. You can’t assume that former pot-smoking baby boomers (like me) will overwhelmingly support it. On the other hand, I believe most think decriminalization is long overdue.

  • http://www.calitics.com/ Robert Cruickshank

    There’s two main legalization efforts underway here in CA. The first is a bill by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-SF), AB 390, which would decriminalize a greater amount of possession than is already permitted under state law, legalize some retail sales of marijuana, and creates a fee on the sale of marijuana to fund drug treatment.

    The other effort is a ballot initiative backed by Richard Lee of Oaksterdam University, that has already gathered enough signatures to qualify for the November 2010 ballot. It would legalize possession statewide of up to 1 ounce, and create a “local option” for cities and counties to permit more legalization, as well as to set their own levels of taxation.

    I’d prefer a statewide legalization and a statewide sales tax, sort of like what Dickerson is proposing, but the Lee initiative is what’s going to be on the ballot, and it’s worth supporting anyway.

    As to @1′s point, the polls I’ve seen for California show that support for legalization is strong among Boomers and Millennials (30 and under), with people 65 and over generally opposed, and Gen X split.

  • http://www.calitics.com Robert Cruickshank

    There’s two main legalization efforts underway here in CA. The first is a bill by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-SF), AB 390, which would decriminalize a greater amount of possession than is already permitted under state law, legalize some retail sales of marijuana, and creates a fee on the sale of marijuana to fund drug treatment.

    The other effort is a ballot initiative backed by Richard Lee of Oaksterdam University, that has already gathered enough signatures to qualify for the November 2010 ballot. It would legalize possession statewide of up to 1 ounce, and create a “local option” for cities and counties to permit more legalization, as well as to set their own levels of taxation.

    I’d prefer a statewide legalization and a statewide sales tax, sort of like what Dickerson is proposing, but the Lee initiative is what’s going to be on the ballot, and it’s worth supporting anyway.

    As to @1′s point, the polls I’ve seen for California show that support for legalization is strong among Boomers and Millennials (30 and under), with people 65 and over generally opposed, and Gen X split.

  • RossB

    I would love to see a real debate take place between supporters and opponents or marijuana legalization. Not a yelling match like on the news networks, or a popularity contest like a debate amongst politicians, but a real debate where each side is given time to make their arguments, provide evidence and rebut the other side. In such a debate, I think the pro-legalization side would convince the overwhelming majority of those listening that their arguments are stronger.

  • RossB

    I would love to see a real debate take place between supporters and opponents or marijuana legalization. Not a yelling match like on the news networks, or a popularity contest like a debate amongst politicians, but a real debate where each side is given time to make their arguments, provide evidence and rebut the other side. In such a debate, I think the pro-legalization side would convince the overwhelming majority of those listening that their arguments are stronger.

  • johnmocha

    Without making both the supply and demand legal this will put a ton more money into the hands of gangs and further increase the violence we are experiencing in the area.

    Do it right, legalize and use the taxes to add more police.

  • johnmocha

    Without making both the supply and demand legal this will put a ton more money into the hands of gangs and further increase the violence we are experiencing in the area.

    Do it right, legalize and use the taxes to add more police.

  • Richard Steeb

    Do it right, Legalize it, and you might find you have superfluous police already. And narks. And probation officers. And prisons. And on and on.

    Keeping Cannabis illegal while tobacco and alcohol are dispensed freely is *MURDEROUSLY STUPID*.

  • Richard Steeb

    Do it right, Legalize it, and you might find you have superfluous police already. And narks. And probation officers. And prisons. And on and on.

    Keeping Cannabis illegal while tobacco and alcohol are dispensed freely is *MURDEROUSLY STUPID*.