My Plan to Correct Antiquated Marijuana Policies and Boost Oklahoma’s Economy
Tags: Senate, Democratic Party, Marijuana

Oklahoma has spoken. In 2018, Oklahoma voted to legalize cannabis for medicinal use. Many states have done the same, while federal law hasn’t changed in decades. Marijuana is still recognized as a Schedule I drug by the federal government, the same designation as heroin. This classification fails to recognize any potential for medical use. Regulations that coincide with this designation prevent necessary scientific research into its potential medical application. But the problem doesn’t stop there. Because of outdated federal law, the marijuana industry that has been growing across the country has to rely on cash rather than banks. This is not only irresponsible, it actively limits potential economic and medical relief for Americans across the country.

Despite inaction from the federal government, states across the country have passed their own marijuana policies. These policies give us a chance to learn what works and what doesn’t. The federal government should listen to states and stop putting up unnecessary barriers for this growing industry. As your senator, I will push for the reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I drug to Schedule IV drug. Schedule IV is the same classification as many prescription drugs, allowing for continued regulation, but opening the potential for research and proper transactions.

Medical marijuana can provide relief to Oklahomans with illnesses. Medical marijuana is already being used across the country to relieve symptoms of chronic pain, PTSD, and cancer. Some studies have also suggested that marijuana can be a safer alternative to opioids and states that have legalized medical marijuana have 25% fewer overdose deaths. We also have learned that the notion that marijuana is a “gateway drug” is a myth. In fact, the vast majority of marijuana users don’t use other illicit drugs.

Medical marijuana is promising, yet its current scheduling limits the research that can be conducted. So, while states are legalizing it for medical use, we are leaving it to them to speculate on the potential benefits and side effects of marijuana use. Like with any medical product, our first commitment should be to providing healthcare providers and patients with extensive evidence to make informed decisions.

The legal marijuana industry would benefit our economy and disempower illegal markets. By changing the classification of marijuana, we would open up the opportunity for banks to make loans to small businesses and allow these businesses to stop using cash for operations. Being forced to remain cash-only puts marijuana shops at risk of theft and makes it more difficult for state governments to regulate their finances. It also unfairly prevents them from access to exemptions available to businesses, causing some businesses to pay up to 90% income taxes. The economic benefit of legalization is enormous. States can save hundreds of millions of dollars from the reduction in marijuana arrests while receiving billions of dollars in revenue from the industry. Additionally, illegal marijuana sales make up a significant amount of cartels’ total revenue. By opening up legal markets and maintaining smart regulation, we can reduce the power of these dangerous criminal organizations.

Decriminalization of marijuana is the right thing to do. Stories like that of Patricia Spottedcrow, an Oklahoma woman who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for selling $31 of marijuana, illustrate how these antiquated policies have failed. A 2013 report by the ACLU showed an overwhelming racial bias in marijuana arrests. According to the study, black Americans are 3.7 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white Americans, despite comparable usage rates. While enforcing the law is fundamental to governance, we must work to ensure that our laws are evidence-based and don’t perpetuate inequality. As your senator, I will fight for fairness in the criminal justice system.

The government should work for people, not against them. Two-thirds of Americans support relaxing marijuana prohibitions. When the large majority of people disagree with a law, policymakers have an obligation to re-evaluate their previous positions and evolve. Marijuana has the potential to relieve the economic and medical pains that Americans experience every day. As your senator, I will push for the rescheduling of marijuana so that states can develop evidence-based policy and create fair markets.