Marijuana, better know as cannabis, has been unfairly criminalized for decades while other substances with greater harm, like alcohol and prescription opioids, are legal and regulated. This has created unnecessary suffering for millions of Americans, wasted law enforcement resources, and fueled a black market. It’s time for Congress to end federal prohibition and regulate marijuana responsibly, safely, and fairly.

We call for full decriminalization and federal legalization of marijuana, with a regulatory framework comparable to alcohol. Partial reforms, state-by-state patchwork laws, or arbitrary restrictions on certain cannabinoids do not solve the problem. Federal legalization is common sense, necessary, and long overdue.

Why this matters:

1. Public Safety and Health

• Prohibition does not stop use; it pushes consumers to an unregulated black market.
• Legal, regulated marijuana ensures safe, consistent products, accurate labeling, and controlled distribution.
• Cannabis is a safer alternative to opioids, helping reduce addiction and overdose deaths.

2. Economic Opportunity

• Federal legalization unlocks millions in tax revenue and supports thousands of small businesses and farmers.
• Legalization encourages innovation, tourism, and job creation in agriculture, retail, and manufacturing.
• Ending prohibition saves billions in law enforcement, prison, and judicial costs currently wasted on marijuana offenses.

3. Criminal Justice and Social Equity

• Millions of Americans have criminal records for marijuana-related offenses, disproportionately affecting minority and low-income communities.
• Legalization removes these unjust penalties, reduces incarceration, and restores lives.
• Communities devastated by prohibition deserve the opportunity to participate in the legal cannabis economy. 

4. Veterans’ Rights and Medical Access

• Veterans often rely on prescription opioids but are denied access to cannabis, which has documented benefits for chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety.
• Full federal legalization allows veterans to make informed, safe choices without risking benefits, employment, or legal consequences.
• Congress has a moral obligation to prioritize veteran health and quality of life.

5. Common Sense Regulation

• Marijuana can be taxed, age-restricted, labeled, and monitored like alcohol and tobacco.
• Federal oversight removes confusion from conflicting state laws and ensures nationwide standards.
• Prohibition makes no scientific or social sense; responsible regulation protects children, consumers, and communities.
   

6. Science and Evidence Support Legalization

• Decades of research show marijuana is less addictive and less harmful than alcohol or tobacco.
• Federal legalization allows proper medical research and product safety studies.
• Cannabis is widely used safely by millions; prohibition punishes responsible adults without justification.
   

We demand that Congress take immediate action to:

1. Remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act entirely.
2. End all federal criminal penalties for possession, use, and distribution.
3. Establish a federal regulatory framework comparable to alcohol, including licensing, labeling, and taxation.

Anything less preserves prohibition, harms Americans, blocks economic growth, and fails public health.

Sign this petition to tell Congress: Federal marijuana prohibition must end. It’s time for fairness, safety, and common sense.