In October of 2011, a Gallup poll showed for the first time ever more Americans supported the legalization of marijuana than opposed it.
The survey showed that 50 percent of Americans supported legalization, while 46 percent opposed it — a virtual flip from the previous year.
When broken down by demographic and geographic variables, only a few groups showed less than majority support for legalization.
Among groups with the lowest levels of support (less than 35 percent) were those 65 and older, conservatives and Republicans. All other demographic groups still indicated support above 45 percent.
Perhaps this growing support is one of the reasons that many states are pushing for more relaxed policies surrounding marijuana.
In California, Sen. Mark Leno, D–San Francisco, introduced a bill that would demote simple drug possession charges from a felony to a misdemeanor. While it includes no changes on the sale, production or distribution of drugs, those found in possession of small quantities would receive more relaxed penalties.
The goal, Leno said, is to reduce the number of nonviolent drug offenders in prison. A news release issued by Leno about the bill reads, “The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates reducing penalties for drug possession will save counties about $159 million annually, in addition to yearly savings for the state totaling $64.4 million.”
For a state like California that face major budget crises, a simple change like this could go a long way.
In Colorado on Monday, it was announced that voters would be deciding on a ballot initiative in November that would decriminalize the possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and older. It would also permit, according to the Drug Policy Alliance, “small-scale cultivation for personal consumption.”
The state of Washington will also have a similar initiative on its ballot in November.
These steps toward legalization across the country show that more Americans are realizing that the War on Drugs is not working.
Reformers in the early 20th century thought they could control and discourage the use of alcohol by making it illegal. As a result, Prohibition created a culture of underground crime, giving rise to gangsters like Al Capone.
The prohibition of drugs in the U.S. has also created to the same unintended consequences, leading to an increase in drug-related crimes within our cities and across the border.
We own our bodies and should be able to do whatever we want with them. As long as no one else is being hurt in the process, our personal habits should not be of concern to nosy nanny staters and bureaucratic busybodies.
Let us hope that these efforts continue throughout the country.
