Reinforcing the law costs the American people and government more.
The federal criminalization of marijuana has failed to reduce the public’s demand or access to cannabis, and it has imposed enormous fiscal and human costs upon the American people. Over 20 million Americans have been arrested since marijuana was made illegal in 1937. Further, 90% of all arrests are for possession only. This destructive policy has cost people their homes, jobs, education, families and futures. As you know, several states have already enacted policies to remove certain penalties for marijuana violations. To date, none of these states have reversed their laws and returned to full prohibition