We ask the President to issue an Executive Order decriminalizing marijuana Federally and relegating laws on its use for medical and personal reasons to the States.
When States control the marijuana industry, millions of dollars previously in the black market can be taxed. Colorado realized $135 million in taxes and fees in 2015 with $35 million going to schools, while creating over 10,000 jobs.
This order will also end racial bias. Blacks are 3.7 times more likely to be arrested than whites. $3.6 billion is spent annually enforcing laws where individuals caught up in the criminal justice system face a cascading set of problems including loss of job, long-term financial issues and even prison.
Allowing the States to determine legal status is a wiser use of law enforcement and funds.