History

CANNABIS HISTORY

History of Legalization

Cannabis, recreational and medical, was scheduled as a Schedule I drug as part of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970. This made growth, sale, and possession illegal on a federal level. Since then we have seen many states legalize cannabis for different uses. California was the first, legalizing it for medical use in 1996. In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use. There are now 15 states that have fully legalized cannabis for medicinal and recreational use.

In Wisconsin, support for legalization is broad and deep, cutting across all demographics and political beliefs. According to polls, Democrats and Republicans, city dwellers and those living in rural communities all agree that Wisconsin should legalize cannabis. In 2018, Wisconsin voters signaled their strong support for legalization by passing all sixteen county-level referenda on the ballot by large margins. As a result of this support, Wisconsin’s policymakers can take bold action and be assured to have the people solidly behind them.

CANNABIS HISTORY

History of Social Equity

Prohibition has disproportionately impacted people of color and historically marginalized communities. Studies show that African-Americans are roughly three to four times more likely to be arrested for possession of cannabis than whites, despite around equal levels of use. It is essential that steps are taken around legalization consider the importance of promoting social equity, diversity and fairness.

 

 We believe important policies should accompany legalization to promote these values including:

 

Instituting regulations for new marijuana businesses that include requirements for social equity.

Create opportunities for small businesses to participate in the industry through options like marijuana “microbusiness” licenses.

Decriminalization and depenalization of convictions involving small, nonviolent possession of marijuana.

CANNABIS HISTORY

History of Economic Impact

The economic benefits that can come from legalization are significant and have been observed in states across the country. Legalization of marijuana leads to increased tax revenues as well as job growth and new investment opportunities. In 2019, Colorado collected more than $302 million in taxes and fees on medical and recreational marijuana. Since January 2018, California’s cannabis sales had generated 411.3 million in excise tax, $98.9 million in cultivation tax, and $335.1 million in sales tax. In the first 10 months of legalization in Illinois, recreational marijuana tax revenue surpassed over $100 million.