Stand in support of California’s landmark proposition to reform marijuana laws.

The phrase “war on drugs” conjures up images of DEA agents locking up big-time drug King Pins. But the reality is much less glamorous and a lot closer to home. Over 700,000 people were arrested in the United States in 2009 just for possessing marijuana — not selling or buying it.

Police waste valuable resources targeting non-violent marijuana consumers in communities across the country, while thousands of violent crimes go unsolved. After decades trying to make America “drug free,” marijuana is easier for kids to get than alcohol. The “war on drugs” is a massive failure. Yet we waste $40 billion every year fighting it.

But California has a game-changing proposition on its ballot in November. Proposition 19 would make marijuana available to adults over 21 in California and make that state the first to regulate, tax and control marijuana. If passed, Prop 19 could be the tipping point we need to wind down our country’s failed “war on drugs.”

The vote is less than two weeks away – take action now and stand in support of Prop 19 and the reform of marijuana laws today.

With a devastating economic downturn and increasing violence associated with criminal drug cartels, Americans are beginning to realize that prohibition has failed, and taxing and regulating marijuana is just smarter policy. Political strategists originally thought Prop 19 was a long shot, but public support has recently grown as mainstream organizations have joined in support and a grassroots movement has begun to build.

The state’s biggest union – SEIU – has come out in support of Prop 19 along with the California NAACP. Reflecting the position of many, the President of the state NAACP recently said, “I am not advocating for a higher use of drugs. I am advocating for it not to be a crime.”

It’s time for an honest debate about our country’s marijuana laws – and with Prop 19 we could actually make real progress toward reform. National opinion polls show growing support for legal access to marijuana for both medicinal and other responsible uses. It’s time for public policy to catch up.

Please stand in support of the movement to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana today.

Thanks for taking action,

The Change.org Team