Move over, Big Pharma and Big Oil, Big Marijuana is here

[Purveyor]

If there's one group of people who get their way in Washington, it's lobbyists.

Now, advocates of marijuana legalization may have a reason to cheer that political reality: They're getting their own marijuana lobby group.

And just Big Pharma and Big Oil lobby for greater leeway for their businesses, so too will Big Marijuana push for their industry to be given the freedom to succeed.

Aaron Smith, executive director of the newly formed National Cannabis Industry Association, says that marijuana legalization is "looking inevitable."

Smith told McClatchy news service: "It's pretty clear that the medical marijuana industry is becoming recognized more and more by the mainstream as a fully legitimate part of the economy."

Legalization "didn't happen in 2010, but it's likely to happen in 2012," he added. "It's going to be relatively soon we're going to see states move from medical marijuana into broader legal markets. And the federal government needs to catch up. Frequently the American people are ahead of the Congress."

MORE...

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/big-pharma-big-oil-big-marijuana/

[RZM]

1. I hope so

Lobbyists or not, I like these guys better than the 'big marijuana' of Northern California growers, some of whom worked to scuttle Prop 19.

[DemocratAholic]

2. Finally...a "big" corporate lobby I can believe in!

Sure, they may just be doing it for the money. But if not for some kind of profit motive, and kickbacks to political campaigns, who in Washington would be interested? Thank God there's money to be made in selling marijuana!

[Merlot]

11. they can have all the money. I want the pot smokers out of prison.

[Willinois]

3. When they pass out $10 million in campaign contributions we can call them "Big" Marijuana.

Otherwise, comparing them to oil and pharma is dumb.

[asdjrocky]

4. First, tptb, must realize they can make more off it being legal, than illeagal.

Once they know that, they will make it legal. Right now they make too much money off the PIC and the drug wars to consider really making it legal nationwide.

Also, people have been lobbying DC for decades about reform. Anyone ever hear of NORML?

[pipoman]

7. True, NORML has been lobbying for years

just that they have not had financial strength to gain political support. Now we have an industry in medical marijuana which is beginning to become both accepted by society and is becoming financially strong...the later being necessary to gain support in Washington.

[asdjrocky]

8. ASA as well, I've been a member for a while now.

http://www.safeaccessnow.org/

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. I am looking forward to that happening.

Once the Feds get on board, the states won't have any problems with it.

So many people will benefit, esp. the sick and those with excruciating pain.

Recommended.

[Vinca]

6. Funny you should mention the benefits. As an aging hippie

with a green thumb who strangely never used pot, I'm hoping to be able to grow it in my garden someday to use as an analgesic.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. I hope the laws change so you can.

[Merlot]

10. "...an aging hippie with a green thumb who never used pot..."

just made me smile.

[Vinca]

13. I swear it's true . . . although there was a bit of a mushroom incident.

:rofl:

[maryf]

12. Hope that soon includes Hemp for bio diesel, and other uses.

grows like a weed.

[lunatica]

14. If politicians can make money by supporting something it will get their support

Big Marijuana needs to give out samples along with the promise for big campaign contributions.