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: Jared Polis
Note: Jared Polis is a Congressman for Colorado's second district.

REGULATING MARIJUANA FOR ADULT USE IS SOUND POLICY

Colorado is approaching the first anniversary of legally regulated 
recreational marijuana for adults. 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. Voters in Oregon should look to our experience 
and success as they make their decision on Measure 91 on their ballot 
November 4th.

Since Coloradans overwhelmingly approved our marijuana legalization 
law in 2012, initial indicators have been very encouraging. Millions 
of dollars are no longer being spent to criminalize thousands of 
citizens. Instead, the state is adding millions of dollars to its 
coffers, primarily to fund public school construction and drug 
prevention programs for young people.

Violent crime is down in Denver. Fatal car crashes are in decline 
statewide. Marijuana arrests that mostly hindered low-income people 
and young men of color are no longer creating obstacles for 
employment, housing and education. In fact, the state legislature is 
considering reforms that would apply retroactively to people 
currently incarcerated for activity that's now legal.

What's more, early results show promising trends among young people 
in Colorado. Licensed marijuana dispensaries have been effective at 
preventing underage purchases. Marijuana use by 8th, 10th and 12th 
graders has dropped compared to the last three years and is lower 
than the national average. New data also show that Colorado teens, 
while less likely to fear marijuana, are more likely to understand 
the risks to them from heavy use. It's reasonable to believe the high 
level of dialogue and scrutiny about our new approach has begun 
sending the proper message that marijuana is regulated for adults only.

Further, the legal marijuana market now provides substantial revenue 
to help prevent use by young people in my state. More than half of 
the new tax revenue generated so far  $20 million  is designated for 
drug prevention and education. And like Oregon under Measure 91, 
Colorado maintains stiff penalties for providing marijuana to anyone 
under the age of 21.

The first year of controlled marijuana sales to adults also taught us 
some lessons that were immediately addressed by Colorado regulators 
and applied in the implementation of Washington's new regulatory 
system. Most prominently, we must address edible products with 
caution and that labeling of these infused products requires detail, 
care and clarity to avoid accidents.

By now, I am far from alone in believing that regulating marijuana 
like alcohol is sound, sustainable policy. A recent report from the 
Brookings Institute says that Colorado "has largely succeeded" and 
that implementation of the new approach is "impressive." This state 
is already demonstrating that regulating marijuana for adult use is 
fiscally wise and can actually benefit public safety and health.

I'm excited Oregon will soon decide whether to join Colorado and 
Washington in regulating marijuana like alcohol. 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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom