By Matt Ferner Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) said in an op-ed on Friday that marijuana legalization is “sound policy,” and he urged Oregonians to follow in Colorado’s footsteps and vote yes on recreational marijuana in next week’s election.
“Colorado is approaching the first anniversary of legally regulated recreational marijuana for adults,” Polis wrote in the Bend Bulletin. “The implementation of our new laws has gone smoothly overall, providing an excellent example for other states to follow. Our success has made it clear that when marijuana is regulated like alcohol, it can decrease crime, help fund schools and drug education programs, and keep money out of the hands of criminals and cartels.”
Oregon voters are considering Measure 91, which would allow adults to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana at home and up to one ounce in public. Taxes on marijuana sales would fund schools, law enforcement, and drug prevention and education programs, while the Oregon Liquor Control Commission would regulate and monitor the industry.
“I’m excited Oregon will soon decide whether to join Colorado and Washington in regulating marijuana like alcohol,” wrote Polis, who previously sponsored legislation that would do just that at the federal level. “More than ever, I believe it’s time to change course on decades of failed marijuana prohibition and demonstrate viable, effective alternatives to address the realities of marijuana today.”
Read Polis’ entire commentary here.
Colorado voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, with the first sales beginning on New Year’s Day 2014. While the rollout of the new regulatory regime has not been perfect, it has largely been deemed a success. Voters supported the end of marijuana prohibition by a 10 percentage point margin in 2012 and have continued to support it. …read more
Source:: Weed Feed
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