New Mexico Democrat Ortiz y Pino: Legalization bill at start of session

[RainDog]

A day after Colorado opened its doors to the legalized sale of recreational marijuana, a state senator said New Mexico should consider following suit.

Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, an Albuquerque Democrat, said he will introduce a constitutional amendment proposal to legalize recreational marijuana when the Legislature convenes this month.

The constitutional amendment would go on the general election ballot this November if approved by both the House and Senate. Constitutional amendment proposals go straight from the Legislature to voters, and Gov. Susana Martinez would not be able to act on the measure if it were approved by lawmakers.

Martinez, a Republican and a former district attorney, opposes drug legalization.

Ortiz y Pino said it was time to let the American public decide whether to keep marijuana illegal.

The Republican governor and Republican legislators have indicated a desire to continue the failed war on drugs while a neighboring state has moved on to the 21st century.

http://www.abqjournal.com/330203/news/legislator-wants-nm-constitutional-amendment-to-legalize-pot.html
(you have to answer a silly question to read the article... yes, I have been to CA.)

[duhneece]

1. Yay! Thank you for 'passing this on'

The NM Governor has really made a serious attempt to destroy NM's Behavioral Health agencies and this same courageous state representative is one of the few to follow, try to publicize, try to do something positive about it and then he is trying to legalize marijuana. Can you see why I love this man?

[RainDog]

2. ((((((((hugs to you))))))))

I need to find something to be optimistic about... and this is one issue that has a good chance of changing for the better.