BY: PETE TUTMARK
I worked in law enforcement for more than 33 years in the metro area. From first-hand experience on patrol, I can tell you the current approach marijuana isn’t working. I cited and arrested people for marijuana like I was supposed to. I enforced the law. My mind has changed on this issue over the years. I think the laws against marijuana are doing more harm than good.
One in every 14 arrests in Oregon is for simple possession of marijuana. The Oregon State Police report that more than 99,000 people have been arrested or cited for marijuana crimes in the past decade. Police officers and deputies spend thousands of hours citing and arresting people for small amounts of marijuana. That’s not to mention the time and money exhausted in court for judges and clerks. Meanwhile, there are serious crimes and dangerous criminals that need attention. The only violence I’ve seen related to marijuana is a result of criminals battling over the underground economy for marijuana.
Voting yes on Measure 91 to regulate, legalize and tax marijuana for adults will redirect law enforcement time and resources toward defeating the criminal market instead of arresting individuals for small amounts of marijuana. We can take money away from the gangs while taxes from marijuana go to state and local police, drug treatment and prevention, and schools.
It really bothers me to see a person hit with a serious punishment for having a small amount of marijuana. You might hear a violation for marijuana is no worse than a traffic ticket. As a law officer I can tell you that’s not true. Number one: the presumptive fine is $650, more than most traffic tickets. Number two: it’s on your record as a criminal violation and that has ramifications. There are certain occupations a person won’t be able to work in down the road. There can be trouble with renting an apartment or securing loans. Depending on the amount, a person could lose their license. Measure 91 removes this harsh punishment for people who are not hurting anyone.
No one thinks kids smoking pot is a good idea. Right now, it’s too easy for them to get, and they get it from criminals affiliated with drug cartels. Some young people tell me marijuana is easier to get than alcohol. Police will have a new ally in keeping marijuana away from young people after Measure 91 passes. The business owners and state regulators will have a big stake. They’ll make sure IDs are checked and no one sells to minors. The shops will be licensed, regulated, inspected and properly zoned far from schools. Police will perform sting operations to make sure that everyone is following the laws. Selling to someone underage will remain a crime.
Taxes on the legal marijuana marketplace will add funding for state and local law enforcement. In a time when some counties in Oregon don’t have the money to staff deputies around the clock, this money will be welcomed. Measure 91 specifically gives 30% of taxes raised to state and local police and that can’t be changed.
For all the millions and millions spent now treating marijuana as a crime, it has not affected usage. It’s a waste of law enforcement time and resources. There are serious crimes that need attention and citizens that need protection. As an experienced law enforcement officer, I’m voting Yes on Measure 91.
Pete Tutmark, of Canby, spent more than 33 years in law enforcement rising to the rank of Sergeant.