Michigan voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana, becoming the tenth state to do so. In Missouri and Utah, medical marijuana was also approved by voters, making 33 states with similar laws.
Even with a growing number of states decriminalizing marijuana, drug arrests are on the rise and over 40 percent of these are marijuana-related – 9 in 10 being for mere possession. States with legalized marijuana are also seeing black markets thriving, as drug cartels exploit easy access to marijuana in legal states and smuggle into states without legalization for sale.
President Trump has indicated that he would support a marijuana bill. Two-in-three Americans support recreational marijuana legalization. Even 53 percent of Republicans back the end of prohibition.
With Democrats now in control of the House of Representatives, it is time Congress prioritize drafting nationwide legislation to decriminalize, if not legalize, marijuana in every state and territory!
