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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2012 – Pittsburgh NORML, a local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, is hosting a Holiday Party and Fundraiser on December 29, 2012, at James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy to build support for legalization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2013.
November 5, 2012, witnessed the unprecedented legalization of marijuana for personal use, cultivation, distribution and retail sale of marijuana in Washington and Colorado. Today residents of both states may possess up to an ounce of marijuana with no criminal or civil penalty whatsoever. Both states are developing regulations for the licensing and taxing of growers, distributors and retail sellers. Will the Obama Administration respect the will of the voters? With legalization polling at close to 60% in favor nationally its clear where Americans stand on this issue. It is time to end the criminalization of cannabis consumption once and for all.
Here in Pennsylvania our medicinal bills are set to “die in Committee” at the end of the current legislative session. With the assistance of Bloomfield Garfield Corporation who’s Board called for legalization in August, 2012, we will reach out to local politicians in the hope that they will sponsor a legalization bill here in PA. We know we have an uphill fight with Gov. Corbett in Harrisburg, but projected tax revenue may win the day. For example, Colorado’s initiative calls for the first $40 million in tax revenue to be earmarked for their Department of Education. Could PA schools use $40 million cash every year?
Executive Director Patrick K. Nightingale is available for comment. Mr. Nightingale is a former prosecutor here in Allegheny County and is a practicing criminal defense attorney. Since November he has appeared on the Mike Pintek Show, the DVE Morning Show, Night Talk Live, The Mike Romine Show and the Russ Belville Show.
Mr. Nightingale can be reached at 412.225.7959 or pknlaw@mac.com
By: Jason Cole