Hawley planning to vote against medical marijuana bill

Hawley won't be getting my vote.

why vote agenest some thing that helps very ill people, my god hawley whats the matter with you.your not getting my vote eather

if this bill passes the people who are allowed to grow and use are going to be watched to make sure its for personal use not for dist. as far as making it easier for people to get, the type of people that will abuse this will get marijuana any way they can and will get caught so let the police, not hawley, do there job and catch them. many sick people will benifit from this bill. Hawley needs to think more about that and less about lining his pockets

He says "I voted against it last year and unless something miraculous happens I'll be representing my constituents and their wishes and will be voting against it,"

I wonder how he knows that this is what we would want. I don't believe I've ever been asked. I guess those of us that disagree need to let him know that we do. This would help a lot of people and I trust my doctor to make medical decisions for me - not Hawley.

Okay so we all know the tobacco companies are the best growers to do this and they are already established regulated taxed and losing money. Have them grow pot Medicinal only by prescription and the patient gets it from the pharmacy "controlled cigarette type dose". It would bring the street value down and actually save tax payers money not jailing casual pot smokers. Any growing Illegal with out liscence would be a must. (other places kinda do this now).

smoke two joints in the morning
I smoke two joints at night
I smoke two joints in the afternoon
It makes me feel alright

I smoke two joints in time of peace
And two in time of war
I smoke two joints before I smoke two joints
And then I smoke two more

Sublime - one of my favorites. I think that would exceed a medicinal dose though.

Kinda wish they would let terminally ill cancer patients smoke, as they stop eating at some point, after kemo and radiation weakens their immune systems,and bodies. This is the saddest part of watching someone die from cancer, watching them wither away for lack of nutrition, and not having an appetite.
THC in a pill form makes the body get hungry, and relaxes the stomach and nerves. Maybe it would save lifes, giving there weak bodys, hunger urges, and the nutrients to stay strong.

I know how it goes, because I watched my mother-inlaw fight for her life. We were lucky to get 1 bite of Jello in her, she was so sick with cancer, and from her treatments. I will always wonder if I could have done something to save her. God Rest Her Soul.....We miss you Patty...

In the Miracle Of Creation, I believe GOD had a purpose for the plant. Did you ever ask yourself how, and why it grew on earth??

At least its not man-made garbage like Cocaine, and Cristal Meth, and Crack,pills of all kinds, killing our population, our youth, and taking control of our streets.

How about making Alcohol Illegal too. Its killing people and tearing apart families every day!

Didnt the Indians smoke Hemp in their "PEACE" pipes??? Hemp itself has been around for ages, and is used in many useful ways, all over the world.. Oh and Tax it, and No Defacit, No Recession...
Food For Thought

I attended a forum recently on drug awareness and the pot most of us think of from the 60's and 70's is nothing but a distant memory. THC levels in the stuff being grown now is much much higher, pushing 40% in some plants (in the early 70's it was less than 1%), and as a result the days of it being a "harmless natural high" are over.

What constiuent did you ask Assemblyman? I never got asked what I thought, did anyone get asked? He has already made a decision. I think if he sent out one of his mailers asking the constiuents opinion he may just get the miracle he's looking for. An overwhelming YES.

Anyone who does support this bill please make sure that you let Mr. Hawley know that you do. We are his constituents and unless we speak up, he'll never know how we feel. His email address is: HawleyS@assembly.state.ny.us

If drugs were legal and taxed we could end a lot of crime, reduce budgets in the judicial arena and correctional facilities. And we could get rid of some of the ridiculous taxes we pay in NY

Having been around the block several times, I 100% believe alcohol is 100 times more dangerous than pot. JMO

There is certainly a good argument to be made there Peter but I'm afraid if this debate goes there they may just throw out the baby with the bathwater. Let's not forget that this bill is to legalize marijuana for medical use - not to legalize marijuana for recreational use or legalize all drugs.

I couldn't agree more Bud.

My name is Joel Peacock, I am the individual who met yesterday with members of the New York Senate and House of Representatives who are helping to pass legislation for the legalization of Medical Marijuana. I am a long time member of the Conservative Party however this issue is not about politics. This issue is about People. People who are suffering from chronic pain, life threatening illnesses and need relief from a world that holds unbearable health issue every minute of every day. This issue will also help everyone! How you may say? I am just one individual who has yearly prescription costs, to my helth care provider, of $39,000 + per year, the costs have risen $7,000 in one year. This is more money than most people make. Imagine there are thousands like me and you can quickly see that prescription costs are just one large reason health care costs are so high for all of us. I am also one individual who can prove, yes it's my word only, that Medical Marijuana can take the place of my current medications for a fraction of their costs.
Do you know a friend or relative that has, or is, suffered severe pain and discomfort. This health issue may be from a disease, an accident, a birth defect or even an inherited health problem. Don't you wish you could help? Legalizing Marijuana may be a way of helping these folks, I am not saying it is a cure all but when you are in chronic pain or discomfort believe me any help is welcomed.
I can imagine many of you are worried about an increase in recreational use of Marijuana! Did you know that in the many States where Medical Marijuana has been legalized that the recreational use of this medicine did NOT increase? Help folks that really need it! Some day YOU may be the one that is in serious pain and discomfort, I hope this day never comes but if it does I truly hope that YOU are one of the people Medical Marijuana will help!
Joel

Amen Joel! I am currently recuperating from major surgery to address crohns disease. I have been an advocate of natural alternatives for years. The problem is, this is NY. Enough said. Status quo is entrenched in this socialist bastion, and change will not come. Sucks to have to resort to CRIMINAL activity for relief.

Joel and Bud - I too have a close family member suffering from chronic pain and this could really benefit her. Please make sure you contact Steve Hawley and let him know how you feel about this issue. I posted his email address above. I contacted him and received the following response:

Elizabeth,
Thank you for taking the time to write me regarding medical marijuana. I will certainly keep your views in mind when this landmark legislation comes to the floor for a vote. It is very important for me to know and understand how the constituents of the 139^th AD feel on all issues and it helps me to make the best decision. Again, thank you for taking the time to write me and please feel free to contact me with regard to any state issue.

Sincerely,

Steve Hawley

He does want to hear from his constituents. Please let him know how you feel and best of luck to both of you with your illnesses.

I said drugs, not pot. Legalize them all.

It will also help to weed out the nitwits around town. Just look to see who is going to the new "drug" stores

If I remember right GOD put the stuff here, But if there is something in the BIBLE that say something like and/or same meaning <b>"stay away from this stuff at all cost it is evil"</b> please correct me! and no I don't smoke it either.

Tom

I missed that verse. The only drug mentioned by name in the bible is alcohol. Certainly there are plenty of things that God put on this earth that we shouldn't eat because they are poisonous or otherwise dangerous. There are also many that have been beneficial and used as medicines by other cultures for ages.

God said, "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed which is upon the face of all the earth.…To you it will be for meat." … And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:29-31) The Bible predicts some herb's prohibition. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall … speak lies in hypocrisy … commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. (Paul: 1 Timothy 4:1-3)

Who is to say what "herb bearing seed" He is speaking of?

i have a close friend that has been in cronic pain for many years now and has been taking heavy prescription narcotics, which only offer temp relief and has to wait 3 more hours till can take some more. so not only is he destroying his liver and the rest of his body he is still in constant pain. his only other option that would help would be this but nys wont allow it yet and his dr even said this would be a much better pain management plan for him. but what does he know hes only dr

As a doctrinaire, inflexible & dogmatic right-wing ultra-conservative, Hawley continues to march in lockstep with the anti-science so called "religious" right wing Bush-Cheney agenda. I hope the voters of Genesee County realize that this man's votes in the NYS Assembly are usually not in the best interests of the majority of his constituents. He focuses instead on so-called wedge issues to distract us from the real everyday problems citizens face in this district. His stance on this issue demonstrates a disturbing narrow mindedness. He almost always marches in lock-step with & follows the dictates of the New York State Conservative Party. He seems incapable of thinking through a problem on his own. He appears to me to be a follower, not a leader. Genesee County deserves better.

<b>(Conservative Party,Narrow mindedness, Genesee County deserves better, Not in the best interests)</b> these words seem to play the same old tune that never stops and the goverment will do what they want plus if this DUDE Steve Hawley really cared he would not have said what he said.

Did you ever think he votes with the conservative party because he believes in conservative values?

He said that he would be representing his constituents and their wishes. WE are his constituents! He needs to be more in touch with the people that elected him.

Steve, who do you consider your constituants? The people want to know what you are thinking, and who you are supporting. I think you maybe better consider the sick that would benefit from this plant. I know you have lost a loved one too, many years ago. I dont know how she died though.

Wouldnt you like a chance to save someones life,or better their health, by giving them the tools to fight cancer, and other painful ailments? Have you ever experienced Death, up close and personal? Only then will you see the other side of this issue. How you would do anything, to try to help your loved one. A LITTLE HOPE,A chance to be happy if only for a while, and to eat something to help them fight?? I know you have also seen what ALCOHOL can do to familys, and our youth. It eats them from the inside out. Alcoholism is just so much worse..I know this from having a loved one who sufferes. ANYWAY...

I have faith in you, because I know your a fighter, and you have always, deserved your position, but please dont close your mind, and make rash decisions, just to make your peers, the Old Boys in Office Happy.....

Its a time for CHANGE, a New way of Living to save our planet. Have you ever researched the amount of perscription meds in our drinking water,Rivers and Streams?? The "DEAD ZONES" in our bodies of water?? The amount of NITRATES killing the wildlife The Chesepeake Bay?? You'd be amaised! Maybe we should be more worried about having a place to exsist. THC Pills could possibly give the people an alturative to being a Slave to the Pharmacudical companys, for pain management, and cut down on pollution, and pain medication ADDICTION. There are way BIGGER THINGS to vote against.

Beth, he does read these,
as do alot of our city,town
and county leaders. We know
your watching guys..

Well put Karen.

Thanks Beth!!

the truth is he's going to do what he wants regardless of how we feel.

Jay thats sad. He really is a Great guy. He might go with the MAJORITY. The ones for legalization. I hope he doesn't base his vote on Personal Opinion.

he has already made it clear what his decision is going to be and its obvious its completely against the majority

What majority, this poll? Don't you think he has done his own internal polling and gotten feedback directly from his constituents, including the largest voting bloc he has. I seriously doubt that group is in favor.

it doesnt matter the size of the poll. majority is majority. and this site was not based on anything related to that topic so it can be used as an unbiased poll

Andrew - what kind of internal poll are you talking about? Asking the conservative sitting next to him how he feels? He needs to find out what the voters want.

Sorry guys if I ramble on and on. I go off on tanjents, and am a creative writer, and very passionate in my beliefs. I'm just so worried about the earth right now, and its condition. The earth has a fever.......Only we can change things. GO GREEN!!
Forgive me
Ps. There may be a loophole
in Bill Ao7542
They spelled Marijuana wrong
LOL!!!

Jason;

That's not necessarily true. What is the demographic breakdown of those that voted in the Batavian's Poll. Do they all live in Hawley's District? Are the votes skewed one way or the other politically?

The Chicago Tribune initially thought Dewey had beaten Truman in 1948, except Gallup didn't take into account all the voters without phones. Even today, exit polling often does not equal tabulated votes.

It should be noted that the poll is not scientific, and it could reflect views of people outside Hawley's district (though, on any given day, 70 to 75 percent of The Batavian's visitors are Genesee County residents).

Hawley should do a postcard survey of his constituents on this topic. I, for one, suspect he might be surprised at the feedback.

That said, I don't believe elected officials should vote on legislation based on polls and the changing winds of public opinion. They should be elected because they have a core set of principles and beliefs and they should do their best to remain consistent with those values, and if by the time the next election rolls around, voters can decide if they still want somebody with that political philosophy representing them.

If Hawley really opposes this piece of legislation, regardless of what surveys and polls say, he should vote his conscious. If voters don't like his decision, they can let him know at the next election.

I don't want representatives who follow the whim of public opinion.

i know it all might not be from his distric im just saying that its a good unbiased opinion. and im willing to bet the deed to my house that if he did a poll just for his distric it would favor the bill. i understand his stance on not wanting to make it easier for people to get the drug but they pro's deff outweigh the con's. nicotene and alchohol are far more addictive and damaging then pot. and prescription narcotics are perfectly fine. i would be far more concerned if i found out my son was taking pain pills then if i found out he was smoking pot, sure i would be EXTREAMLY upset, but it would be the lesser of two evils. i think with proper regulation (like with ciggerette and alchohol laws) this could prove to be very benificial to everybody concerned

why wouldnt we want our elected officials to base things on public opinion, that is the heart of democracy.

This isn't a democracy. It's a republic. If it were a democracy, we would all vote on everything. Instead, we pick representatives whom we believe will represent our own beliefs.

One reason this country is in so much trouble is too many elected representatives follow the whims of public opinion, which can be easily shaped by appeals to emotion and too much reaction to the moment rather than standing by the principles of the Constitution.

That is exactly why America is not a true democracy, but rather a representative Republic. You cannot govern effectively (or run a business) solely based on public opinion. Nothing would ever get accomplished.

Take a principled stand on an issue and if your constituents don't like it, well that's why we have elections.

Howard types faster than me. Either that or he doesn't multi-task.

principles of the Constitution

WE THE PEOPLE of the United States not we the people of other people

Jason, I suggest a good bit of reading: Bill Kauffman's book on Luther Martin.

"We the people" was a formulation to diminish the power of the people by diminishing the power of local governments. The original draft didn't use that phrase. The federalists, who wanted to concentrate power in the central government inserted that phrase. The people have been getting screwed ever since.

The book is available at Present Tense.

Andrew, I type fast and multitask!

i just think to much personal beliefe is in our government. religious opinion and beliefe dictates almost every political decision and im a very firm believer of the seperation of church and state. whats good for the goose is not always good for the gander

Jason;

I'm glad you brought up the Constitution in trying to frame your argument about public opinion. Are you aware that only about 1/3 of the people living in the colonies at the time of the American Revolution were in favor of it? Slightly more than that were totally against the idea and wanted to remain under British Sovereignty, and the rest were prepared to line up with whichever side won.

Jason;

Whether you realize it or not, your character, the people who've influenced your life, your experiences, your Faith (or lack thereof), your values are what shapes every decision you make and any forms any biases you may have. It is impossible to separate one from the other.

We absolutely need principled people leading our businesses, our churches, and especially our government. The fact that in many cases we have just the opposite is what has put us in this mess we are facing in the country now.

Andrew, no time to look up the link now, but some historians belief it is a myth that there was much support for remaining with Great Britain.

andrew

12 of the 13 colonies were in favor of changing the article of confederation and only 9 were needed for its ratifacation

Howard wrote :
"One reason this country is in so much trouble is too many elected representatives follow the whims of public opinion, which can be easily shaped by appeals to emotion and too much reaction to the moment rather than standing by the principles of the Constitution".

I totally disagree with this statement. It kind of reminds me when dick cheney said that he did not care what the American people felt about the war in Iraq.

As a citizen and voter your opinions and beliefs are important to you only. The Officials you elect for office will decide what is best for you according to their beliefs or at least according to their careers.

You have only two important functions: You are expected to vote and pay taxes. The Government will take care of the rest as they deem necessary. Look where all our whims have gotten our economic situation and wars. Its not our representatives or government officials fault its ours ! They are just cleaning up our messes.
(yes I am being sarcastic).

It was more prevalent in the mid-Atlantic and Southern Colonies than the Northeast, but I have read arguments presenting that as well.

how should the belief or lack of belief in god or what was thought was right at that time have any basis on current affairs. christianity is still a fairly young religion and why should it have any more influence on political decision then any other religon. it is 100% completely wrong to force your beliefs on anybody and it happens everyday. (btw if anybody was wondering i am catholic) i just dont try and force it on anybody

Gabor, if you don't want to go to war, don't elect people who will take you to war. But once you elect somebody who will go to war and they take you to war, then who's fault is that?

I have never seen a "I promise I will never go to war" platform on anyones ballot when they are running for office. I am not saying that war is NOT sometimes necessary reguardless of what people might feel about it. I will tell you that Most people whom voted for Abe Lincoln did not expect the civil war.

Ron Paul as about the most anti-war, complete isolationist politician you'll ever find.

Prior to WWII most GOP candidates were anti-war, anti-interventions. If voters demanded more of those kinds of candidates, we would see more of those kinds of candidates.

My whole point wasnt about any wars really just an example of how things can change or maybe forced to change. I understand the policies prior to world war 2 with isolantion and how wrong things went for Europe and the World not to mention the plight of the Jews and the eventual rise in Communism. I do have core beliefs that I stick with but I keep an opended mind and have had changes in heart or maybe just a certain change in point of view on some issues. Sticking to this weed thing in general and I would just say that it takes a powerful "grass roots" type of movement by the MAJORITY of people to even sway government to think about changing laws or investigating certain possibilities of reversal. I dont expect Mr. Hawley or anyone to vote becoz a bunch of people want it. Well, at least not in a non-election year. HA !

So what I'm saying is enough people have to feel strong enough about the weed thing to make that an important issue a race so that a candidate who supports their views gets elected. To expect an already elected official to change core beliefs after taking office just because popular opinion says so is not good for representative government.

Now, I have no idea how Mr. Hawley really feels about legalizing marijuana, but if he feels strongly enough that it shouldn't be, then he should stick to his beliefs. Conversely, if he believes strongly that it should be legal, he should vote accordingly, regardless of what the constituents say.

The war thing is actually an interesting example: Bush ran on a platform that was pretty darn close to non-interventionist, and then surrounded himself with a bunch of neoconservatives. He eventually ran the country contrary to many of his original campaign themes. But he got re-elected anyway.

I have to say that I can agree with you when you say it that way. I would only add that Bush being re-elected was a good example of how much control "the whim of peoples opinions" really matter when it comes to voting. I personally think the media murdered John Kerry, Plus I really did disagree with him more than GW. If I look back on it everytime I have voted I ALWAYS have voters remorse. If I wanted to change laws and lead people in America I would create a multi million dollar company and then fund a large amount of politicians err ahh I mean PROJECTS to organise those people whom support my platform.

So, you basically want to copy the George Soros method of political influence.

Garbor,

I agree with you about how to change laws. Except, you should create a multi-BILLION dollar company.

Like George Soros. Great example Andrew

Jason,

You wrote in your first post, "Hawley needs to think more about that and less about lining his pockets"

How is he lining his pockets?

Why would Hawley vote against it ?Do his constituents have pain aids or cancer??.....dan

patrick,

how many donations do you think he is going loss if he votes for this bill. his $169,300 a year salary is nothing compared to donations and speaking fees.

dan,

im sure some do yes. and even if it was one person who had cancer and was in cronic pain, wouldn't you as a person, want to help them if you had the opertunity

Jason,

How much does he receive in donations and speaking fees?

im sorry his salsry is 79,500. there not required to release there donations ( as far as i know)

Jason, politicans must disclose their donations and the only thing donations can be used for is campaign expenses. They don't go into a politicians own pocket (well, there was an issue with Jon Powers paying himself a campaign salary during his primary run for congress, but that's unusual, it gets disclosed and people make an issue of it when it happens). Donations over a certain dollar amount are public record, as well as how the money is spent.

I would be very surprised if Hawley ever received speaking fees.

Hey man you got ripped off! marijuana contains at the highest 22% THC that is the highest recorded from a strain(white russian). I would get your money back if they are just giving you information that isnt backed up. As for the president laughing about legalization that is bad enough on its own. Plus if somthing has a higher percent of THC that is less plant material that has to be smoked, as opposed to marijuana from the 70s...and yes there were other types..that contained more THC in the 70s...but yeah the majority of it was mexican dirt..

Our nations first crop was indeed hemp, before 1776 we payed britain in hemp. Hemp was the reason Britain was a superpower. Ignorance is outlandish as of now.

MARIJUANA WAS MADE ILLEGAL TO PRESERVE THE TIMBER/PAPER INDUSTRY
look up reefer madness or the one i saw that made me laugh my as off was "marijuana the devils weed"
it no joke shows these kids smashing bottles of soda and cutting themselves because they found a new way to open gladd bottles by smashing them...ITS A SCAM. also they show hand grabbing needles ...yes this is the same reason the gateway myth spread becasue of political slander...luckily its getting better

commercials now show a guy with a beer getting really hot women, why dont they show footage from and actual bar of slobs.

as for weed comercials...instead of showing a girl flat on a couch and a kid ignoring his dog why dont they show footage of teen drunk driving accident deaths. or the should show micheal phelps winning more medal smoking weed in between swims....

our media doesnt have as much propaganda as those days but its there.... and heres a few hemp fun facts (our TRUTHFUL and reliable school system failed to tell us)

Hemp is the common name for plants of the entire genus Cannabis, although the term is often used to refer only to Cannabis strains cultivated for industrial (non-drug) use. Industrial hemp has many uses, including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food, and fuel. It is one of the fastest growing biomasses known, and one of the earliest domesticated plants known. Here are 15 fascinating facts about the less-pleasurable version of weed. [Source]

1. All schoolbooks were made from hemp or flax paper until the 1880s. (Jack Frazier. Hemp Paper Reconsidered. 1974.)

2. It was legal to pay taxes with hemp in America from 1631 until the early 1800s. (LA Times. Aug. 12, 1981.)

3. Refusing to grow hemp in America during the 17th and 18th centuries was against the law! You could be jailed in Virginia for refusing to grow hemp from 1763 to 1769 (G. M. Herdon. Hemp in Colonial Virginia).

4. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other founding fathers grew hemp. (Washington and Jefferson Diaries. Jefferson smuggled hemp seeds from China to France then to America.)

5. Benjamin Franklin owned one of the first paper mills in America, and it processed hemp. Also, the War of 1812 was fought over hemp. Napoleon wanted to cut off Moscow’s export to England. (Jack Herer. Emperor Wears No Clothes.)

6. For thousands of years, 90% of all ships’ sails and rope were made from hemp. The word ‘canvas’ comes from the Middle English word “canevas” which comes from the Latin word cannabis. (Webster’s New World Dictionary.)

7. 80% of all textiles, fabrics, clothes, linen, drapes, bed sheets, etc., were made from hemp until the 1820s, with the introduction of the cotton gin.

8. The first Bibles, maps, charts, Betsy Ross’s flag, the first drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were made from hemp. (U.S. Government Archives.)

9. The first crop grown in many states was hemp. 1850 was a peak year for Kentucky producing 40,000 tons. Hemp was the largest cash crop until the 20th century. (State Archives.)

10. Oldest known records of hemp farming go back 5000 years in China, although hemp industrialization probably goes back to ancient Egypt.

11. Rembrandt’s, Van Gogh’s, Gainsborough’s, as well as most early canvas paintings, were principally painted on hemp linen.

12. In 1916, the U.S. Government predicted that by the 1940s all paper would come from hemp and that no more trees need to be cut down. Government studies report that 1 acre of hemp equals 4.1 acres of trees. Plans were in the works to implement such programs. (U.S. Department of Agriculture Archives.)

13. Quality paints and varnishes were made from hemp seed oil until 1937. 58,000 tons of hemp seeds were used in America for paint products in 1935. (Sherman Williams Paint Co. testimony before the U.S.Congress against the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act.)

14. Henry Ford’s first Model-T was built to run on hemp gasoline and the car itself was constructed from hemp! On his large estate, Ford was photographed among his hemp fields. The car, ‘grown from the soil,’ had hemp plastic panels whose impact strength was 10 times stronger than steel. (Popular Mechanics, 1941.)

15. In 1938, hemp was called ‘Billion Dollar Crop.’ It was the first time a cash crop had a business potential to exceed a billion dollars. (Popular Mechanics, Feb. 1938.)