New polling demonstrates that a strong majority of Oregon voters are ready to regulate, tax and legalize marijuana like beer and wine. This recent polling continues a larger trend that we have been seeing across the country as more and more voters understand that prohibition is too costly and doesn’t achieve any of its stated goals. A well-regulated system will better ensure that we keep drug cartels from profiting off of the Oregon marijuana trade and that marijuana stays out of the hands of children. Licensed and regulated retail outlets will do a much better job of checking identification and removing the criminal element out of marijuana commerce than the black market. It is very heartening to see that Oregon voters are ready to regulate marijuana.
From Firedog Lake:
According to a survey by DHM Research for Oregon Public Radio, 53 percent of voters in Oregon would support legalizing marijuana for adults age 21 and older. Only 38 percent of voters in the state oppose legalization.
Back in 2012 voters rejected ballot measure 80, Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, in a vote of 46.75 percent to 53.25 percent. That measure did suffer from criticism regarding its oversight provisions for the newly legalized industry.
It is very likely the people of Oregon will have a chance to vote on marijuana legalization again this year. There are currently two campaigns gathering signatures to make it on the 2014 November ballot. One campaign is offering an revised version of their failed 2012 ballot measure and the other is New Approach Oregon with an initiative similar to the Colorado law.
We look forward to providing Oregon voters the opportunity to establish a well-regulated system that licenses commercial producers, processors and retailers under the regulatory jurisdiction of the OLCC. This regulated system will generate millions of dollars for education, public safety and mental health and substance abuse programs. Additionally, law enforcement resources will be better prioritized as officers will have more time to combat serious and violent crime. Please join our campaign to pass marijuana regulations this November by adding your voice to the majority of Oregonians who understand that it is time for a new approach.