Why I Want Legal Marijuana in My South L.A. District

By Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer Sr.

A majority of Californians voted in support of legalizing medical and adult-use cannabis. Clearly, the people believe that cannabis is not a dangerous drug when sold and consumed responsibly — and that the cannabis economy, once legalized and regulated, can serve in the best interest of Californians.

Many have asked why we should continue funding the losing war on cannabis when we can reap the benefits of this economy. Many have compared the emergence of legalized cannabis to the history of the alcohol industry.

Cannabis prohibition was supposed to lower crime and reduce social problems. Instead, prohibition has overloaded our courts and prisons, while social problems persist. The people wisely made medical and recreational cannabis consumption legal in California; now it’s up to the Legislature and law enforcement to work out the details.

I’m eager to have my State Assembly District 59, encompassing most of South Los Angeles, participate in this new economy. District 59 has been historically underserved and has felt the devastating and debilitating effects of the war on drugs, but I strongly believe that we can reverse the stigma associated with cannabis and allow this burgeoning industry to uplift our community.

Our new federal administration seems intent on reviving our nation’s war on drugs — which history has shown to be more of a war on people of color. But we in California, and especially in South Los Angeles, have an opportunity to prove that legalization and regulation can guarantee public safety and spur economic growth far better than mass incarceration.

Assembly member Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer Sr. represents Assembly District 59. He can be reached at (213) 744-2111.

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