Legalization of Marijuana information: A Joint Effort

The topic I have chosen for this class assignment is the National Legalization of Marijuana.  Currently it "pot" is considered a class-1 drug.  For a better understanding of what that means, cocaine and codeine, an opioid (synthetic heroine), are considered class 2 drugs.  That logic means that cocaine is less of a street drug than pot and that cocaine has more medical use than pot.  It is a heated topic and I believe the pros far outweigh the cons for legalization.  It is said that police officers do not really care if it is legal or not, they will enforce the law either way.  Courts of law, detention facilities, lawyers, probation officers and the like have concern though.  Their jobs are at risk because the statistics for numbers of individuals on probation and or incarcerated for possession of marijuana is a large percentage of the case load.  Loss of that means decrease in revenue and cut backs on the need of employees.  Like other things in a commercial / commodity based economy of supply and demand, it is not an argument of right, wrong or ethics.  It is about money and the bottom line.  Legalization, regulation and taxation will change the paradigm within the part of an ill system.  There is fear around that because it is perceived as a loss.  The reality is that it is a gain.  It is my belief that National legalization of marijuana will eventually happen.  It's all in the pitch on pot.
Below are video, photo, graphic and virtual holdings I have researched for the foundation of a video documentary promoting the National legalization of marijuana.

NEWS SOURCES AND TELEVISION PROGAMING
Democracy Now- California Promotion of legalization in CA. Justify legalization to stop incarceration of non-violent offenders:
https://archive.org/details/dn2010-1014_vid

SOURCE: Archive.org
I would pay to license this as support of legalization.  It supports the argument for decriminalization and it supports non-violent offenders reforms and the expunging of legal cases regarding possession charges and or incarcerations. Democracy Now is a public television show that is known for fair, unbiased, well researched and rounded information and presentation.  The reputation of the program will serve as a credible source for information.

I will use this as part of the argument for a state's freedoms in choosing to make marijuana legal and in argument for a national legalization campaign based on monetary / taxation / federal revenue increase opportunities.  This would be a 9sec. cut from a 20+sec. teaser spot for the 6/7/15 - 60min. episode.  I am not using the entire spot in it entirety, just a segment of the commercial.  I think I could use it royalty free and under Fair Use.


Below is a Youtube video with Cheech and Chong talking legalization of the green herb.  I found it in an advanced Google search with the parameters of free to use, share or modify.
 

PHOTOS
The photos below are found in a Google search.  They are noted as being "free to share, modify and use commercially".

 

This photo is a cancer patient who utilizes marijuana as medicine for pain management, nausea and to increase appetite.

This photo shows states in the U.S.that have passed medical marijuana legislation.


NORMAL
www.NORMAL.org.
I contacted Allan St. Pierre, the Executive director of NORMAL-National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.  We had a great conversation.  He told me I could use anything on the website.  All I would have to do is send him an email stating what I want to use and what it is for.  It includes, text, graphics, photos and video.  He said, "He is willing to share.  NORMAL is a non-profit organization that is in part, a hub for information about cannabis."

The graphic below is taken from the Texas chapter of NORMAL and can be viewed at the weblink below...
 https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/76percenttexans.jpg

Below is some pot on a scale being prepared for packaging and sale in a legal marijuana dispensary.

The photo stills below were taken from the CBS morning show on 06/08/2015.  It was generated from video in a segment on the CBS morning show about Gov. Christie's stance on upholding federal law that is anti-legalization of marijuana, which would continue to criminalize possession in any form.  The photo is a graphic showing the Nations view on legalization from "1979" until "NOW".  I would utilize it under "fair use" as its original context was to show the Nation's stance in relation to Gov. Christie who is potentially a 2016 Republican presidential candidate.

FURTHER RESEARCH AND CONSIDERATION...

I find it curious and funny that I had to change so many of the video settings, height and width, from 420.  420, as the story goes, is a symbol for several events within the culture of marijuana.

I will look for Cheech and Chong movie excerpts as visualization of social thought, feel and perception of marijuana use as portrayed in film.  Perhaps parody as statement on the chaotic and spastic nature of the "war on drugs".  

Reefer Madness, a film that depicts marijuana as a scourge.  It exhibits extreme character stereotypes and exaggerations about the effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol a.k.a. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Interviews with individuals, medical professionals and politicians who have experience with the intricacies surrounding legislation, applicable medicinal and or recreational uses and or individuals who utilize marijuana.  This will increase credibility of the documentary by featuring sources with first hand and accredited professional experience.

This ongoing project will take time to develop and research, but I feel it is a worthy project to undertake.  It is high-time for the legalization of marijuana to occur.