Filmmaker joins fight against pot laws (NBC 6 Miami)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 03:29PM Spellman, 31, has thrown his support behind a petition that would amend the city charter to allow cops to issue a monetary fine if someone is caught with a nominal amount of weed.
Supporters of decriminalization laws argue that they allow law enforcement to focus on putting more dangerous criminals behind bars.
"[It's about] reshuffling priorities," Spellman said by phone Wednesday. "This is not where we should be focusing."
Rather than face criminal misdemeanor charges, someone caught with less than 20 grams would only receive a $100 civil fine under the proposed change.
The petition is the brainchild of Ford Banister, chairman of the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy.
"Marijuana prohibition is a long-term failure," said Banister. "Marijuana is more available and more prevalent than ever...these laws protect no one."
Spellman decided to get involved in the petition while working on his next documentary, "Square Grouper," which profiles South Florida pot smugglers in the 1970s.
Spellman's studio, rakontur, is supporting the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy with a grant.
He said he was intrigued by the story of Robert Platshorn, who was busted in 1979 for smuggling 100,000 pounds of marijuana. He was sentenced to 64 years in prison, but was released in 2008 after nearly 30 years behind bars.
The 65-year-old Platshorn, like Banister, is involved in decriminalization efforts across the country.
Banister needs 4,240 signatures from Miami Beach residents on his petition by the end of August to get it on the ballot in November. Members of Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy will be at Miami Beach City Hall at 7 p.m. Wednesday to collect signatures.
After just a weekend, Banister said his group already has about 100 signatures, and will be canvassing for more throughout the summer. He expects to have more than needed by the August deadline.
Reader Comments (3)
is there a petition available to be downloaded online and how do we get it and where would we mail it to?
Marijuana is illegal on the FEDERAL LEVEL i don't understand how city law and state law can supersede federal Law
http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?DocID=1614,94,88,Documents&MediaID=1044&Filename=marijuana-and-driving.pdf