A number of college students from all across the state of Oregon have joined together to promote the legalization of marijuana. Pushing toward this type of reform would change marijuana-related drug crimes. Next month, various chapters for Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) will host a rally dedicated to helping the three main marijuana legalization campaigns currently filtering throughout the state.

On February 25, 2012, members of the SSDP chapters will host the "2012 Cannabis Law Reform Conference" at the Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon. The main goal of the rally is geared toward helping the various pot legalization initiatives obtain the requisite amount of signatures to get on the state ballot this upcoming November. The students are facing a tough deadline; July 2012 is when all of the requisite signatures will be needed.

Currently, there are three marijuana legalization campaigns trickling throughout the state including the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, Sensible OR and Measure I-24 (also known as the Oregon Marijuana Policy Initiative). Each initiative has different proposals on how the new Oregon marijuana legalization law should be structured.

SSDP State Coordinator hopes the rally will "inspire unity of purpose and coordination among the various competing marijuana legalization initiatives in Oregon." His proposition just might come to light. Among many different activities, the chapters will put on a neutral, non-confrontational debate between the three campaigns as a way to educate the public about the characteristics of each of the initiatives.

Currently, it is illegal to use, possess or cultivate non medical marijuana in the state of Oregon. Individuals face hefty fines and ample jail time if found guilty of a marijuana drug charge.

Source: The Weed Blog, "Oregon college students hosting conference for marijuana legalization," Johnny Green, Feb. 3, 2012