Prop 19: What did we learn?

This will be something that gets debated and researched over the next few months, but I think it seems clear that they're going to try again in 2012. Also other states might try in 2012 as well. I think it's important to do a post-mortem basically on the mistakes that were made so we can work to fix them next time.

I'll throw out a few...

-The next prop(s) need to be written with more consultation from the existing marijuana community. It's pretty clear when you see that 19 failed in places like Humboldt and the rest of the emerald triangle that these people never came on board. We thought it wouldn't matter but... well here we are.

-The prop should be better written to protect/strengthen existing medical rights and provide the medical movement some benefit. At best the medical movement stayed away from 19 and in some cases worked against it. By providing them some sweeteners in the prop to get on board could bring another ally (with a decent amount of money) to the table.

-A much better field organization. This should start being built as soon as possible. The first step is a really stepped up voter registration drive. Spend the next two years getting all the young and old stoners registered to vote, then get them to get a vote by mail ballot.

-Stronger protections against some of the bullshit tactics we saw used this year. The bullshit lies about being able to drive stoned, go to work stoned, etc.

Maybe the next prop should be a comprehensive marijuana regulation proposition. 3 parts, the first cleaning up any problems in medical and strengthening those laws and access, second part discussing recreation use and the third part about hemp. Create a very powerful coalition going into 2012.