7/10/2018 Marijuana Legalization and Regulation | Drug Policy Alliance

Marijuana Legalization and Regulation

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There is more public support for marijuana law reform than ever before with new polls
showing more than half the country is in favor of legalizing marijuana. The Drug Policy
Alliance (DPA) believes marijuana should be removed from the criminal justice system
and regulated like alcohol and tobacco.

Current Marijuana Laws in the U.S.

Where in the U.S. is marijuana legal?

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See where medical marijuana is legal.

What do we know so far about marijuana legalization in 8 states and Washington,

DC?

Read our January 2018 report to learn how and why marijuana legalization is working
so far.

2018 Initiatives
The Drug Policy Alliance is currently working on marijuana legalization campaigns in
New Jersey, New Mexico and New York. Learn more about these campaigns and join us to
support marijuana reform.

New Solutions Marijuana Reform Campaign

We are working to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol for adults in New
Jersey. New Jersey’s marijuana laws have had a disproportionate impact on communities
of color. Marijuana legalization in New Jersey must be fair and equitable and must
address past disproportionate harms to communities of color.

Grow New Mexico

DPA has been advocating at the state legislature for passage of a Constitutional
Amendment allowing the possession, use, and sales of marijuana in New Mexico. This
will increase tax revenue, generate commerce and support the agricultural economy.

Start SMART NY – Sensible Marijuana Access through Regulated Trade

This campaign is dedicated to ending marijuana prohibition in New York. We believe that
it is time to stop the ine ective, racially biased, and unjust enforcement of marijuana
prohibition and to create a new, well-regulated, and inclusive marijuana industry that is
rooted in racial and economic justice.

Why Should We Legalize?

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Reduce harm
The criminalization of marijuana use disproportionately harms young people and people
of color, sponsors massive levels of violence and corruption, and fails to curb youth
access.

Create jobs
Legalizing and regulating marijuana will bring one of the nation's largest cash crops
under the rule of law. This will create jobs and economic opportunities in the formal
economy instead of the illicit market.

Save money
Scarce law enforcement resources will be better used to ensure public safety while
reducing corrections and court costs. State and local governments would acquire
signi cant new sources of tax revenue from regulating marijuana sales.

Promote consumer safety

Marijuana product testing is becoming a standard requirement for legalized marijuana
markets. This means consumers are better informed about the marijuana they use.

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Cannabis flowers with quality testing results on display at a dispensary.

DPA product safety recommendations

• Consumers should consider requesting information on any pesticides, fungicides,

fertilizers, or any other residual solvents that could remain on flowers after the
cultivation process.

• Consumers should be sure to inquire about the potency and dosage of an edible
product, especially if they are a novice consumer or if the package is not clearly
labeled.

• Testing for mold, fungus, bacteria, and other microbial organisms should be
required to ensure safety and quality. The effects of consuming some of these
chemicals, especially in the immunocompromised, could be significant.

• Flowers and other cannabis products sold to consumers should include cannabinoid
profiles on labels, including the content of THC, CBD and other major cannabinoids,
and the number and concentration of doses. This is especially important for edible
products, which can contain widely varying doses of cannabis.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION AND REGULATION

FEATURED RESOURCES

From Prohibition to Progress: A Status Report on Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana Facts

Marijuana Decriminalization and Legalization (English/Spanish)

More Resources 

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RELATED NEWS

PRESS RELEASE

06.27.18

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer Introduces Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana at

the Federal Level

PRESS RELEASE

06.20.18

Advocates Say End the Arrests, Challenge Carve-Outs in Mayor de Blasio's New Marijuana
Enforcement Plan
Drug Policy Alliance | VOCAL-NY

PRESS RELEASE

06.20.18

Canada Becomes Second Country in the World – And First G-20 Nation – to Legally
Regulate Marijuana

More News 

TAKE ACTION

Ask Congress for Marijuana Justice

The Marijuana Justice Act would end federal marijuana

prohibition, support racial justice, and help repair
communities most devastated by the war on drugs.

Contact Your Representative 

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Press Resources.
Get tips for covering the war on drugs and download DPA staff photos, logos,
marijuana stock photos and b-roll video.

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See Resources 

Annual Report.
We are at a profoundly challenging—yet hopeful—inflection point in our struggle to
end the war on drugs. Are you ready to step up?

View Interactive Report 

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tank tops.

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