If you support law enforcement, you should want Missouri to legalize medical marijuana

As the former United States attorney for the District of Kansas, I am writing in support of efforts to depenalize or decriminalize cannabis — marijuana — in Missouri.

Having had the honor to serve as the district’s chief federal prosecutor from 2010 to 2016, I believe I have a unique perspective on the enforcement of drug laws and the effect it has on individuals, families, members law enforcement and communities.

Cannabis was placed as a Schedule 1 drug (next to heroin) on the federal Controlled Substance Act in 1970 by President Richard Nixon as part of the war on drugs. A Gallup poll in 1969 said only 16% of individuals supported some form of decriminalization. Today, that same poll taken last fall demonstrated that 68% of adults approved of marijuana legalization.

Indeed, the last national election clearly showed a change of attitude by the public. Voters in these states — Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota — authorized the legal use of recreational marijuana in the Nov. 3, 2020, elections. They join 11 other states and the District of Columbia in legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes. Additionally, voters in Mississippi and South Dakota joined 33 states and the District of Columbia in passing laws legalizing or decriminalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Sadly, in Kansas we do not have the ability to change legislation through referendum. It is worth noting that these changes occurred in red & blue states alike, indicating that this is a topic that crosses the political divide.

Continued investigation, interdiction, arrest, prosecution and incarceration of individuals who possess cannabis is a waste of taxpayer money as well as an unnecessary drain on law enforcement resources. I witnessed this firsthand as U.S. attorney. Law enforcement needs to be supported in keeping our families and communities safe. Focusing on cannabis users take away from that effort.

I am not a user of cannabis. I have no desire to use it, but if I should choose to do so, as a responsible adult in my home, I should not have to fear the loss of my liberty or seizure of my property by the government.

As a supporter of law enforcement, I hope the Missouri General Assembly passes House Bill 2704, the Cannabis Freedom Act.