As covered in news around the region, it appears that legislation to decriminalize marijuana (or at least soften penalties) will be headed to Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley's desk! What fate it enjoys once it gets there is currently unclear, although the future of the movement for marijuana reform appears to be bright.
Falling in with the trend among more progressive governors and legislatures nationwide, it appears Jack Markell (DE-Gov) is also ready to discuss the decriminalization of marijuana, or at least a significant reduction in penalties. Delaware passed medicinal marijuana a few years ago, only to delay implementation of the law amid threats from the feds and other issues.
These moves, as political polling solidifies behind the policy, look to continue slow progress on a key issue. Any time we can save millions on enforcement, millions more on prisons, stop criminalizing non-violent citizens, and do the right thing, count me as down. More importantly, it should soon be both politically and morally imperative in progressive states as polling continues to indicate its time for change.
Follow me below the orange munchie for more info, a few quotes, and a little commentary.
Maryland made moves the last few days and the pressure is on Governor O'Malley to support a decriminalization bill that finally appears destined for his desk.
From a pure political calculus, it’s hard to imagine how O’Malley, who is considering a 2016 White House bid, would benefit from vetoing the bill, which reflects the thinking of a growing number of Democratic activists, including younger voters. A veto would be a slap in the face to majority will in Annapolis in O’Malley’s eighth and final 90-day session.
On Saturday, O’Malley spokeswoman Nina Smith pointed out that the governor signed two bills last year on marijuana reform, including one that established the state’s medical marijuana program.
WaPo has much more. We'll see what happens but O'Malley is being presented a win-win in terms of policy and politics, especially with that eye towards proving himself ready for 2016.
Meanwhile, the money quote in the News Journal from the Markell administration may suggest they're using the events from across the bay as reason to consider support of similar measures, while also falling well short of endorsing privatizing and taxing the marijuana industry:
"The governor is willing to discuss changing the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana from jail sentences to just fines," Markell spokesman Jonathon Dworkin said in a statement. "But he would not support full legalization at this time without further studies and evidence of its consequences."
So reductions in penalties from states would save money and stop ruining lives, at least as many or in the same way. Progress. Overcrowded prison populations could start going down and the quickly rising budgets for these facilities slowed. State and local governments would also see less enforcement responsibilities so they can save or focus on other issues. Courts would have fewer cases and fines provide revenue for covering costs. It's good policy and, generally speaking, the right thing to do.
But you knew that. It turns out good policy isn't always politically expedient. Ah, but the times they are a changing folks:
More than two-thirds of Delawareans surveyed last month by Public Policy Polling supported the removal of criminal penalties for possessing an ounce or less of marijuana, making it punishable by a $100 fine and no jail time.
snip
...support for reducing penalties for pot possession was found across party lines and age groups. Eighty percent of Democrats supported it; as did 51 percent of Republicans
That's what makes this type of progress a political imperative, not just morally right or good fiscal policy. Those kind of numbers are spreading around the nation and they don't appear to be slowing down. Jack Markell sees them. So does Martin O'Malley. Other governors and legislatures across the country do too.
Point and case, from a recent Pew poll:
The survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted Feb. 14-23 among 1,821 adults, finds that support for the legalization of marijuana use continues to increase. And fully 75% of the public –including majorities of those who favor and oppose the legal use of marijuana – think that the sale and use of marijuana will eventually be legal nationwide.
That provides further opportunity for progress. And whatever progressive policy changes Markell may encouragingly endorse in the coming weeks or months, good policy is not great policy. Speaking in general, tweaking the system so we only fine instead of imprison a disproportionate number of minority men is still not ideal. Neither is continuing to stigmatize a substance with medical benefits and less health risk than tobacco or alcohol, while heroin and hard drug use rises and funding could better be used elsewhere - as in nearly anywhere.
As much as I hope O'Malley signs the bill and Markell is serious, the long-term impact of this issue is becoming crystal clear: Progressive policy and political reality will continue to merge as they march toward a more fair, tolerant, and efficient social system.
Thanks and good luck to all activists in the movement. Keep up the momentum!