…In the American People, that is. At least somewhat.

Not only have we just made history by electing the first black man as president, but we’ve made even more progress on the law reform front.

For the first time in history, a decriminalization initiative appeared on the statewide ballot in Massachusetts, and voters passed it by a huge majority. This initiative will rid all penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and replace it with a fine of one-hundred dollars. This fine can be paid through the mail, much like a traffic ticket, without the need for attorneys or court appearances.

Another huge step was taken in Michigan, where voters passed MPP’s medical marijuana initiative, making Michigan the thirteenth Medical Marijuana state. Michigan is the first state in the Midwest, and the second largest in the country, to permit the use of medical marijuana by seriously ill patients.

According to an email I received from Rob Kampia, the Executive Director of the MPP, “As a result of tonight’s victory, almost one quarter of the nation now resides in states with medical marijuana laws.”

For the first time in a very, very long time, I am proud to be an American citizen. Maybe this all means everyone is getting their shit together and the sand out of their vaginas. Here’s to hoping…