Subject:

Your Letter: I'm writing to urge your support and co-sponsor House and Senate legislation (House Bill 2353 and Senate Bill 316) to regulate the adult use and retail sale of marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. Never in modern history has there existed greater public support for ending the nation's nearly century-long experiment with marijuana prohibition and replacing it with regulation. The ongoing enforcement of cannabis prohibition financially burdens taxpayers, encroaches upon civil liberties, engenders disrespect for the law, impedes legitimate scientific research into the plant's medicinal properties, and disproportionately impacts communities of color. Despite more than 70 years of federal marijuana prohibition, Americans' consumption of and demand for cannabis is here to stay. It is time for state lawmakers to acknowledge this reality. It is time to stop ceding control of the marijuana market to untaxed criminal enterprises and it is time for lawmakers to impose common-sense regulations governing cannabis' personal use by adults and licensing its production. A pragmatic regulatory framework that allows for limited, licensed production and sale of cannabis to adults - but restricts use among young people - best reduces the risks associated with its use or abuse. A new poll by Southern Illinois University shows that sixty-six percent of Illinois voters support the legalization of recreational marijuana if it is taxed and regulated like alcohol. I urge you to side with this majority and to support these important legal reforms. Please, I urge you to support and co-sponsor House Bill 2353 and Senate Bill 316