Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) introduced legislation on Tuesday that would require a federal study on the impact of marijuana legalization and prohibition. Gabbard was joined by a bipartisan group of more than a dozen Representatives who have signed on as cosponsors of the bill.
The Marijuana Data Collection Act would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to work with state and federal government agencies to collect data about “the effects of State legalized marijuana programs on the economy, public health, criminal justice and employment,” according to Forbes.
War on Drugs Wastes Billions
At a press conference, Gabbard said that for too long drug policy has been formulated without sound information on its impact on people and resources.
“For decades, bad data and misinformation have fueled the failed war on drugs that’s wasted billions of taxpayer dollars, incarcerating Americans for nonviolent marijuana charges,” Gabbard said.
“Our outdated marijuana policies have turned everyday Americans into criminals, strained our criminal justice system, cost taxpayers tremendously and torn families apart. Our federal policies should be based on actual science and fact, not misplaced stigma and outdated myths,” she added.
So far, only Representatives who have previously demonstrated a willingness to reform cannabis laws have signed on as cosponsors. Justin Strekal, the political director for NORML, said that lawmakers who oppose cannabis should also support the measure.
“This is not a marijuana bill, it is an information bill,” Strekal said. “No member of Congress can intellectually justify opposition to this legislation. Our public policy needs to be based on sound data and science, not gut feelings or fear-mongering. Approving the Marijuana Data Collection Act would provide legislators with reliable and fact-based information to help them decide what direction is most beneficial to