Read Glenn Greenwald's article, "Drug Decriminalization in Portugal: Lessons for Creating Fair and Successful Drug Policies" here Excerpt: More significantly, none of the nightmare scenarios touted by preenactment decriminalization opponents — from rampant increases in drug usage among the young to the transformation of Lisbon into a haven for "drug tourists" — has occurred. The political consensus in favor of decriminalization is unsurprising in light of the relevant empirical data. Those data indicate that decriminalization has had no adverse effect on drug usage rates in Portugal, which, in numerous categories, are now among the lowest in the EU, particularly when compared with states with stringent criminalization regimes. Although postdecriminalization usage rates have remained roughly the same or even decreased slightly when compared with other EU states, drug-related pathologies — such as sexually transmitted diseases and deaths due to drug usage — have decreased dramatically. Drug policy experts attribute those positive trends to the enhanced ability of the Portuguese government to offer treatment programs to its citizens — enhancements made possible, for numerous reasons, by decriminalization.

Marijuana Facts

From NORML: Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in America (behind only alcohol and tobacco), and has been used by nearly 100 million Americans. According to government surveys, some 25 million Americans have smoked marijuana in the past year, and more than 14 million do so regularly despite harsh laws against its use. Our public policies should reflect this reality, not deny it. Marijuana is far less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco. Around 50,000 people die each year from alcohol poisoning. Similarly, more than 400,000 deaths each year are attributed to tobacco smoking. By comparison, marijuana is nontoxic and cannot cause death by overdose. According to the prestigious European medical journal, The Lancet, "The smoking of cannabis, even long-term, is not harmful to health. ... It would be reasonable to judge cannabis as less of a threat ... than alcohol or tobacco."

RESOURCES:

Marijuana Decriminalization Since the 1970s, more than a dozen government-appointed commissions have examined the effects of marijuana, and made public policy recommendations regarding its use. Marijuana and Health Learn the health impacts of marijuana. Marijuana Arrests See who's getting busted and who's not. Get arrest data on your state or county. The Economics of Marijuana and Marijuana Prohibition "Follow the money," and find out how loosening marijuana laws could help save taxpayers money. Driving and Marijuana Read NORML's position on marijuana and driving, and research the effect of marijuana usage on psychomotor skills. Marijuana as a Cash Crop Remarkably, despite being illegal for nearly 65 years, domestically grown marijuana is one of the top cash crops in the U.S. Check your state's estimated crop output. Marijuana Related Surveys and Polling Information Check the state of public awareness on marijuana law reform.