The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado announced its support for full marijuana legalization in Colorado this past week. The ACLY says that it cannot support marijuana prohibition at a time when there are scarce public resources, among other things. They said this should be a civil rights issue as well as a financial issue.
The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is the program that the ACLU has formally endorsed. The ACLU statement said, among other things:
“The war on drugs has failed. Prohibition is not a sensible way to deal with marijuana.”
“…we are wasting scarce public resources in our criminal justice system by having police, prosecutors and the courts treat marijuana users like violent criminals. It is unconscionable for our state to spend tax dollars to arrest, prosecute and crowd the courts, and jail people for possession of a small amount of marijuana, especially when those being arrested and jailed are disproportionately people of color.”
“Current drug laws contribute to the mass incarceration of people of color, especially young people of color.”
The ACLU says that supporting the legalization of marijuana is in line with their mission of defending civil rights and individual freedoms. A big named organization like this can only bring further attention to the marijuana legalization movement in Colorado.
Right now, if you are caught with less than a single ounce of marijuana, you receive a fine. It has been decriminalized. However, if you have more than one ounce, you will face criminal charges, up to 18 months in jail for an amount less than 8 ounces.
As states look for ways to save money, marijuana legalization is just one hot button issue that’s being brought to the table, both at the state and national levels. And Colorado isn’t the only state looking at marijuana legalization. California’s race to be the first state to legalize pot fell short last year, but that doesn’t seem to have discouraged activists.
Though public opinion seems to be more relaxed now than ever in regards to marijuana use, it’s still against the law. And even in states where there are medical marijuana programs in place, there is much controversy on whether or not legalization is the right way to go.
Until the day pot is completely legal, however, you will run the risk of being criminally charged any time you grow, smoke, possess, or sell marijuana. If you are currently facing marijuana charges, contact us today to discuss your case.