This hits close to home for me as I was born and raised in Iowa and just recently relocated to Illinois. I’m an Iowa girl.
The Campaign for Sensible Cannabis laws (
) is a common-sense, nonpartisan effort to reform Iowa’s medical and recreational cannabis laws based on fairness, financial prudence and common sense. The goal of the CSC is to prioritize Iowan’s health, the state’s excellence in agriculture, the need for diversification, and an opportunity to capture revenue lost to .The CSC is asking for all sensible Iowans — from taxpayers to business owners, law enforcement, retirees to political progressives, libertarians and compassionate Christians — to join the cause.
The campaign aims to educate Iowans, bring the state into the mainstream on cannabis regulation and defeat the toxic, culture-war attempts to divide us and hold back progress.
The Campaign for Sensible Cannabis laws will show our elected officials that they have the political support they need to give Iowans the reforms that they want, need and deserve.
Iowa Wants Reform… Gov. Reynolds Does Not
, nearly 8 of 10 Iowans want a more vital medical cannabis program. It’s also been reported that 70 percent of Iowans under 35 support recreational cannabis, and a state’s treatment of cannabis influences where they choose to live. Fifty-six percent of Iowans, both Democrats and Republicans, between 35 and 54 years of age, support cannabis reform, according to the .Cannabis reform is popular in rural and small towns, with 61 percent of rural voters in swing states supporting cannabis reform.
Kim Reynolds currently serves as the 43rd governor of Iowa since 2017. She is a member of the Republican party, and she is not a supporter of cannabis legalization in the state; she is
as saying, “I will not be the governor that legalizes marijuana.”In 2019,
that would have expanded Iowa’s medical marijuana program, calling for caution before increasing the potency of available products.Cannabis Laws Cost Iowa Millions in Lost Tax Revenue
Consider it; cannabis sales have generated 10 billion dollars nationally in taxes. Illinois alone earned $200 million in 2021!
Iowa reform would generate $50 million annually in new state revenue. Under current laws, Iowa generates zero tax revenue while our neighbors receive millions from Iowans who cross the river to purchase.
A movement into generating state revenue from legalized cannabis would be massive for Iowa. We are locked next to Illinois, and we know that a large number of travelers throughout the state come to the border of Illinois to make dispensary purchases. That’s money we are simply handing over to another state.
Cannabis Reform is Not a Divisive Issue
that after reviewing market research on cannabis, there is only a 21 percent difference between Democrats and Republicans. In addition, more than half of all Americans are in states where cannabis is legal. Thirty-nine states are reaping the benefits of better medical care, higher tax revenues, less crowded courts and other benefits that follow reform.Sixty-three percent of Republicans under 30 support legalization — as do 60 percent of Republicans who identify themselves as moderates or libertarians. Even the
support legalization!A Social Justice Disaster
Today, cannabis is legal or decriminalized in 39 states, yet millions of Americans remain incarcerated or have served sentences that limit civil liberties and life opportunities.
Upon release, the collateral consequences of a cannabis conviction restrict access to professional licensing, exclude individuals from government benefits, and, in some cases, prevent them from applying for housing.
Also, cannabis screenings eliminate applicants from consideration and leave Iowa employers
.How You Can Help
Sign this
to let your elected officials know you support the Campaign for Sensible Cannabis laws. the CSC’s website and petition with friends.If you have the means, you can contribute donations of any amount, which is highly appreciated. You can also submit
on why you support the reform.