Whether or not you support the legal use of marijuana or not, it is hard not to admire the political atmosphere of grass roots movements that are organizing and executing initiatives to put new laws into place via a public ballot. There is a broad spectrum of different type of initiatives allowed by states, with each state trying a slightly different approach to the democratic process.
In total there are 13 different laws in place in states to allow various measures, amendments and laws to be made by community organization. Of course on the local level it is likely that there are more forms of this law than at the state level, with some communities trying more experimental approaches to making laws. One of the great things about our nation is our colorful landscape of laws that seek to find the best and most efficient way as governing society and helping it improve for the better.

Widespread Initiative Addiction

Thus far more than half of US states have imposed some form of medical or recreational marijuana system using the initiative process, but many other changes are made this way. Battles over abortion, gay marriage and some of societies other more contentious social issues are waged at the ballots using the initiative and referendum process. People fight for what they believe in by going door to door, or going to campus and other public places to wage awareness all year long for initiatives that represent the greatest form of American Democracy.

Unfortunately, there is no national level of initiative and referendum in the United States. The Citizens of the United States cannot use an initiative and referendum change the constitution or any structure or law imposed by the federal government. They probably need to try some Green House Seed Co plants and the laws will quickly change.

International Efforts

The European Union appears to be experimenting with a version of this national level referendum, but almost all national referendum has been executed in Switzerland. 800 total national level referendums have been voted on in democratic countries around the world, but only a few counties actually allow this form of law making.

The United States should effective immediately impose a national initiative and referendum system to allow the people to vote on things such as government transparency and widespread surveillance of the public. This system of law has proven to be effective at smaller levels for centuries and should be the right of all Americans.