Proposal 1 in Michigan is to “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol”. We are obviously in favor of this initiative, and for many reasons. Michigan voters go to the polls November 6th to elect a Governor, a slate of State and Federal candidates, and have the opportunity to legalize adult-use cannabis in the State of Michigan. Plus, there are a couple of other important proposals on the ballot. Michiganders have plenty of reasons to vote in the 2018 Midterms.
Five Reasons to Vote Yes for Proposal 1 in Michigan
- According to the American Civil Liberties Union, states spend about $3.6 billion each year enforcing marijuana laws. The aggregate amount of taxpayer dollars that has gone into the enforcement of these laws is staggering. Passing Proposal 1 will eliminate this spending.
- Currently, Michigan sells over $600 million in medical cannabis sales. Tax revenues would go up an estimated $100 million. Tens of thousands of jobs would be created. (Source: Detroit News) Legalizing adult use cannabis would be a tremendous boon to the Michigan’s economy.
- Cannabis has been illegal in the United States since 1937. Every single reason it was outlawed was racist in origin. There was no medical or societal reason to outlaw cannabis other than the architects were racists themselves, which wasn’t too unusual in the 1930s. It’s time to end this senseless, racist prohibition. The American Medical Association saw its therapeutic use and was strongly against a prohibition. (Source: (harvard.edu)
- Although the use rate is about the same in both populations, black men are 3.37 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana compared to white men, and four times more likely than other Michigan resident. This is current racism and we need to eradicate this disparate policy now. (Source: ACLU)
- In the America of the 20teens, we need to wake up to the facts that nothing law enforcement has espoused about cannabis is true. It’s not a gateway drug. It’s not bad for you. If you like to imbibe in cannabis, you are still very likely be a productive member of society.
Are You a Registered Voter?
You have until October 9, 2018, either in person or by mail. Voting is especially important this November 6, 2018. There’s a lot at stake. If you are not registered to vote, register today! More voter information can be found:
Further Reading on Proposal 1 in Michigan
There’s a very good Detroit Free Press Opinion (Sept. 25, 2018) article that offers a lot of details on Proposal 1 in Michigan and why you should vote yes.
