New York, NY: The New York Times editorial board has called upon federal lawmakers to end the criminalization of cannabis for those over the age of 21.
On Sunday, the papers’ editors opined: "The federal government should repeal the ban on marijuana. … That will put decisions on whether to allow recreational or medicinal production and use where it belongs – at the state level."
The editorial further stated: "There is an honest debate among scientists about the health effects of marijuana, but we believe that the evidence is overwhelming that addiction and dependence are relatively minor problems, especially compared to alcohol and tobacco. Moderate use of marijuana does not appear to pose a risk for otherwise healthy adults. … [W]e believe that on every level, … the balance falls squarely on the side of national legalization."
Commenting on the editorial, NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre said: "The opinion of the influential New York Times editorial board mimics the opinion of the majority of Americans nationwide who seek to replace the failed policy of cannabis criminalization with legalization and common sense regulation. It makes no sense from a public health perspective, a fiscal perspective, or a moral perspective to perpetuate the prosecution and stigmatization of those adults who choose to responsibly consume a substance that is objectively safer than either alcohol or tobacco."
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, or Erik Altieri, NORML Communications Director, at: (202) 483-5500.