Soon Oregonians will decide whether to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older.
Based on our experience across the Columbia River from Oregon, I can tell you that this is the right time to do it.
In Washington we have been methodical in implementing our new marijuana law. It’s going well and is far better than the black market system we had before.
- In Vancouver, we want to create a positive business climate for hardworking entrepreneurs and their customers so that businesses contribute to the city’s well-being. Retail marijuana customers coming to Vancouver also financially support other area businesses when they visit.
- The black market, now facing competition, is in decline. Growers and shop owners go through a rigorous licensing process designed to eliminate anyone with a questionable background.
- Vancouver and Washington are enjoying additional revenue from legal marijuana sales: In the first 30 days of sales at retailers, more than $1 million poured into state coffers through the new taxes on marijuana.
- Police are spending time on more important crimes: Prior to legalization, Washington police arrested over 5,000 people a year for marijuana offenses, and now it’s down to under 200. That frees police up to address violent crime.
With Measure 91, Oregon has a thoughtful way forward to more sensible policies towards marijuana.
While things are going well, we’ve also learned a lot from the legalization experience here in Washington and in Colorado. Measure 91 is designed to take advantage of those lessons and improve upon them for Oregon. And Measure 91 has built-in flexibility to adjust the law in the future if needed.
The view from the other side of the river is clear: legalizing marijuana for adults over 21 works – and with Measure 91, it will work for Oregon too.
(This information furnished by Tim Leavitt.)