We live in a time where we, as American Indians, are falling into the background of an ever-changing society. How do we maintain our integrity, modernize our economy, and secure our future? Our first step is to decriminalize marijuana. As some of you may know, meth, opiates, and alcohol are killing and ravaging our beautiful First Nations people! Let's attack the battle with this amazing leap!

We are a dry reservation! This means all alcohol is illegal on the reservation. This gives police authority to confiscate and pour out any liquor found. How do we ban it? This means becoming stricter on alcohol. Why sell it at our casinos? Historically, alcohol was given to our ancestors to lower inhibitions and take advantage of us! We must ban this evil poison and protect our people!

Below are benefits of decriminalizing marijuana:

Medical Treatment
Supporters believe cannabis should be decriminalized because the plant can be used to help those suffering with medical conditions. Supporters point to studies done by the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, where it was found that cannabis reduced the nerve pain of patients suffering with cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. Another study done by the Center found that Multiple Sclerosis patients who smoked cannabis had reduced pain. Currently, more than 60 U.S. and international health organizations support the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Decrease the Prison Population
Supporters believe that decriminalizing cannabis will decrease the prison population and save money that the government now spends on enforcing cannabis laws. Supporters point out that since 1972, about 16.5 million Americans have been arrested for violating cannabis laws. Over 80% of these arrests were for minor possession charges. In addition, currently, one in eight inmates is incarcerated because of cannabis. The U.S. has spent over 20 billion dollars enforcing cannabis laws and over one billion dollars a year incarcerating those who violate the laws. Cannabis supporters believe that this money could be better spent elsewhere.

Safer Than Alcohol or Tobacco
Supporters of decriminalization believe that the use of cannabis is safer than using alcohol or tobacco. They point out that about 50,000 people each year die from alcohol poisoning, and each year more than 40,000 deaths are attributed to the use of tobacco. In addition, you cannot die from an overdose using cannabis and it is non-toxic. Yet, both alcohol and tobacco, which cause more deaths each year than cannabis, are legal.

We are a TRIBE! ONE voice, ONE People! Let's speak up! Sign this petition to make a change!