While dealing illicit marijuana is done by many individuals just trying to supplement their income, some are undeniably tied to drug cartels and other organized crime networks.
Both Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama acted to decriminalize marijuana. Both saw a reduction in federal inmates arrested for low level drug crimes during their terms in office. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has just made sweeping changes to criminal charging policies, directing federal prosecutors to charge defendants with the most serious crimes and apply the most severe penalties available. This makes marijuana possession more dangerous because of increased interactions with police. 8.2 million people were arrested related to marijuana between 2001 and 2010. Nearly 9 out of 10 arrests were for simple possession. While no American has ever died as a result of marijuana overdose, they certainly have as a result of police violence. While this is not to demonize the many hard-working police officers doing their jobs within the bounds of the law and use of reasonable force, the fact remains that some simple possession incidents can end very badly. A felony possession charge can result in loss of voting and gun ownership privileges, job opportunities and custody of children. Of particular concern is how this affects Black citizens.
“Nationwide, the arrest data revealed one consistent trend: significant racial bias. Despite roughly equal usage rates, Blacks are 3.73 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana.” - American Civil Liberties Union
Marijuana that is regulated for safety is also taxed, creating a revenue stream in the millions of dollars for public schools, risk reduction education and other projects deemed important to municipalities. That also means less money funnelled into organized crime. In Colorado alone, the first $40 million collected by marijuana excise taxes is earmarked for public school construction.
Legal marijuana also helps address the current opioid crisis. There has been a 25% reduction in overdose from prescription drugs within two years of a state making medical marijuana available. Safer families means safer kids.
As Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, has stated:
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