Some people say that working to change state marijuana laws is pointless, because federal law trumps state law, and the feds will send armed agents to disrupt whatever states may attempt.
While it’s important to be conscious of federal powers, changing state policies is nevertheless an important step in the process.
Here is how things change:
One person, just like you, gets fed up. They volunteer, or write a check to a local organization working to end marijuana prohibition.
Meanwhile, federal law remains the same, and federal representatives turn a blind eye, replying to constituent pleas with terse form letters.
Eventually, enough people join the cause with their time and dollars, and the local organization becomes more effective, and works to educate voters about the merits of the cause.
Meanwhile, federal law remains the same, and federal representatives turn a blind eye.
The organization (or network of affiliated organizations) grows, and state-level policies change for the better, whether by initiative or statute. There is some ebb and flow, some big tragedies and small victories.
Meanwhile, federal law remains the same, and federal representatives turn a blind eye.
But public opinion has shifted now, and some mainstream state leaders feel comfortable speaking out.
And, 55% of voters in Western states now believe marijuana should be legal.
But federal law remains the same, and with a few exceptions, federal representatives turn a blind eye.
And then, in line with evolving popular opinion, advocates are successful in toppling prohibition at the state level. Maybe it’s Colorado, or Oregon, or Washington, or even Montana. Or all of the above.
At that point, federal representatives can’t ignore it anymore. Even better, they will have political cover now. Eventually, some will support the new policy in their home state and introduce or support similar legislation at the federal level.
And finally, federal prohibition is, will be, repealed.
It’s a long process, it’s a painful process, it’s an expensive process, but for our movement, it’s the only way to get there.
You can help move it forward by making a donation or volunteering to collect signatures for Montana First, the campaign to end marijuana prohibition in Montana. Do it today.
