The harm caused by marijuana prohibition is far worse than the harm caused by marijuana use.

There are striking similarities between today's prohibition of marijuana and the alcohol prohibition of the 1920's. Despite the illegality of marijuana use, people who live in New Hampshire continue to use it both recreationally and medicinally. They must either grow their own marijuana, living in constant fear of having their homes raided by the police, or they must become involved with black market dealers who may encourage them to try harder substances. Prohibition drives up the price of marijuana and breeds further violence as criminals compete for control of the lucrative marijuana marketplace.

Meanwhile New Hampshire's prisons are overcrowded with nonviolent drug offenders, the overwhelming majority of whom are in for simple possession. Federal mandatory minimum sentences for marijuana possession contribute to this problem. Peaceful adults in possession of small amounts of marijuana do not harm others, but they do occupy our police, clog up our court system, and take up space in our jails. All of these resources could be put to much better use by shifting the focus away from marijuana possession and turning it towards stopping violent crimes like murder, theft, and assault.

Studies have repeatedly shown that prohibition does not deter people from using marijuana. Some people strongly prefer it to alcohol and find that it causes them fewer problems, so they are willing to take the risk of disobeying a law they do not respect. Even if you've never used cannabis yourself, you almost certainly know someone who has. Marijuana users are our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members, and the majority of them are peaceful and productive members of society. When we enact policies that make it a crime to possess or use marijuana, we harass and incarcerate our friends and family members.