The common sense reform of Measure 91 appeals to all Oregonians once they examine the details. For some, a frank discussion has not begun on the ways Measure 91 improves safety and adds to vital resources. You must start these conversations at the dinner table, around the TV during timeouts, or next time you get together. Time is running out. Misinformation has been spreading for decades about marijuana, and it can be taboo for some generations to discuss. It is not difficult to talk about smart policy reform and that’s what we have with Measure 91.
The Oregon State Council for Retired Citizens and Oregon Alliance for Retired Americans have both endorsed Measure 91. It’s the first time senior organizations have endorsed a marijuana regulation measure because Measure 91 promotes public safety and fiscal responsibility.
4 reasons to support Measure 91:
- Under Measure 91, police will have more time to focus on serious and violent crime to keep neighborhoods safe instead of wasting resources arresting and citing people with small amounts of marijuana.
- Measure 91 creates a framework for regulating packaging to keeping marijuana out of the hands of children. Selling to anyone under 21 year old will remain a crime.
- The projected $46 million to $80 million in tax revenue from legal marijuana will go to schools, drug treatment, prevention and mental health programs and state and local police; resources that help all Oregonians live a better life.
- Right now, there is no funding for clinical trials of medicinal marijuana because it is still largely illegal. After Measure 91 passes, organizations will be able to do research to understand more about marijuana’s medicinal value. There is no telling what great advances and treatments for chronic disease marijuana might provide when properly researched. Measure 91 allows for broader research but also maintains the medical marijuana program as it is.
It is important for people of all ages, from all corners of Oregon to support this move toward a smarter policy on marijuana. Start the conversation with your friends and family right now. Email this story; share it on Facebook and Twitter. And make sure supporters of Measure 91 turn in those ballots. A better future for all Oregonians starts with your efforts. Measure 91 is the better approach.