We need to decriminalize marijuana in Virginia

In September the University of Mary Washington released a poll of the attitudes of Virginians on marijuana in our state. An overwhelming 61 percent of respondents said that they favored full legalization of adult recreational marijuana. In 11 states adult recreational use has already been legalized, and another 20 have legalized its medical use. Many more have decriminalized low level possession to a fine or less. Our marijuana laws in Virginia are increasing falling out of the mainstream with harmful effects on our taxpayers and citizens.

Instead of moving to a more accepting and progressive stance, marijuana arrests in Virginia are the highest they have been in 20 years. In Warren County alone marijuana arrests accounted for approximately half of all drug related arrests in 2018. Statewide the cost of marijuana enforcement, including law enforcement costs, courts, prosecution, and jail, add up to an estimated $81 million per year.

This does not include the social cost to those who are arrested and prosecuted. A first-time offender can get up to 30 days in jail for simple possession of any amount of the drug. A second offense can result in a year in jail. Those caught with more than 0.5 oz can be charged with Sale/Manufacture/Trafficking and face as much as 10 years in prison. These convictions can result in loss of employment, housing, student aid, and even child custody.

These effects also disproportionally affect people of color. Surveys have shown that white and African Americans use marijuana at the same rates but the latter are nearly four times more likely to be arrested.

Instead, states like Colorado which legalized adult recreational use, went from spending million on enforcement to collecting over $135 million in tax revenue in 2015 alone from legal marijuana sales. Although an illicit market still exists in that state, now most marijuana sales are zoned and regulated. The additional revenue is spent on drug treatment and prevention efforts. Legal access to marijuana is also associated with reduced levels of opioid use and overdoses.

It is long past time that we decriminalize marijuana possession in Virginia and begin to consider moving towards full legalization, starting with medical use.

Jorge Amselle
Front Royal, Virginia

Jorge Amselle is a candidate for Sheriff in Warren County, Virginia