Pubdate: Fri, 31 Oct 2014
Source: Bulletin, The (Bend, OR)
Copyright: 2014 Western Communications Inc.
Contact:  http://www.bendbulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/62
Author: Jonathan Poisner
Note: Jonathan Poisner was a member of the City Club of Portland's 
research committee that investigated Measure 91. He lives in Portland.

END OREGON'S PROHIBITION OF MARIJUANA

Oregon has about 80 years of experience with the failed policy of 
marijuana prohibition. The results are clear: Treating marijuana as a 
crime has failed.

Washington and Colorado legalized marijuana in 2012. Oregon and 
Alaska are voting on it right now. Measure 91, which would regulate, 
tax and legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older, deserves Oregonians' votes.

A City Club of Portland member-volunteer research committee spent 
four months studying Measure 91. We interviewed experts from a 
variety of fields, including law enforcement, public health, and 
taxation, reviewed dozens of studies and articles, and weighed the 
pros and cons of legalization. The majority concluded that this 
measure is well written, comprehensive and could be implemented successfully.

In 2010, Oregon's state and local governments spent over $50,000,000 
enforcing marijuana possession laws, with nearly 10,000 combined 
marijuana-related citations and arrests. The marijuana-related 
numbers for 2012 were even higher, with roughly 13,000 citations and arrests.

Imagine if that time, energy, and money were being spent on more 
dangerous crimes and more lethal drugs, instead of being used to 
combat use of a substance that is less addictive than alcohol or tobacco.

Disturbingly, current marijuana laws are enforced in a way that 
disproportionately harms minorities. Despite studies showing people 
of color do not use marijuana at higher rates, they are more than 
twice as likely as whites to be arrested for marijuana in Oregon.

If marijuana were regulated and legal, the failed policy of marijuana 
prohibition would be ended. Police could focus on more important 
issues, like solving violent crimes. There is a high probability that 
the state would see a reduction in other crimes related to illegal 
drug sales as marijuana moves into the legitimate marketplace.

There are also economic reasons for legalization. The experts that we 
interviewed pointed to the economic benefits of legal businesses and 
jobs in marijuana cultivation, transportation, wholesale, and retail. 
While not all of these jobs will be new, bringing black market jobs 
into the legal marketplace decriminalizes them and makes them subject 
to laws regarding workplace safety, Social Security, income tax 
withholding, and legal protections for workers.

After paying for the costs of regulating marijuana, new state revenue 
from taxing marijuana producers will go to important services, 
including Oregon's Common School Fund, mental health treatment for 
alcohol and drug abuse, the Oregon Health Authority for drug abuse 
prevention, the State Police, and Oregon's cities and counties for 
law enforcement. Some of the revenue gained from taxing marijuana 
will go to drug prevention education for youth, which evidence shows 
can be effective in reducing youth consumption.

The only question, then, is whether Measure 91 is the right vehicle. 
Based on our research, our Committee felt the answer is yes. The 
Oregon Liquor Control Commission would receive broad authority to 
regulate marijuana production, processing and sales. Existing laws 
prohibiting marijuana use by minors would remain in effect. Oregon's 
medical marijuana system would not be affected.

Cities and counties, meanwhile, could adopt regulations to limit 
where sales take place, just as they limit the locations of bars. 
They could even opt out of allowing marijuana shops and commercial 
production through a local ballot measure, although those who do so 
would also opt out of receiving their share of the tax revenue.

If problems arise, the Legislature can address them because Measure 
91 is not a Constitutional amendment.

Oregon lawmakers have had ample opportunity to pass or refer a 
legalization measure, but they have not. Oregonians will have to do 
it themselves and Measure 91 is a well-crafted means to that end.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom