FNN: Reverend Explains Why Religious Leaders Support Prop 205 to Legalize Marijuana

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More than 150,000 adults in Arizona have been arrested for marijuana possession since 2005, according to new FBI data latest state and federal crime reports; in Arizona, possession of any amount of marijuana is a FELONY punishable by up to two years in jail. A group of local faith leaders is urging Arizonans to vote 'yes' on Prop. 205, citing a "moral obligation to support change" because current marijuana prohibition laws "cause significant harm to individuals families, and society." In an open letter to voters, Arizona clergy members representing various faith backgrounds explain why they support regulating marijuana like alcohol. The full letter is available at the bottom of this release.

It is also signed by Rev. Alexander E. Sharp, executive director of Clergy for a New Drug Policy, a national organization of faith leaders advocating for sensible alternatives to the failed war on drugs. "One does not have to use marijuana or even approve of marijuana to see that our current laws are not working, nor are they, in our view, just," the faith leaders write. "As we seek to teach compassion and love, it seems inconsistent to support, in cases of private personal adult marijuana possession, the use of police, guns, and courts. The faith community, parents, peers, counselors, and educators are the appropriate means to address this kind of personal behavior."

There were 151,276 arrests for adult marijuana possession in Arizona from 2005-2015, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, including 13,321 last year. Possession of any amount of marijuana is a felony under state law. Possession of up to one ounce will be legal for adults 21 and older if voters approve Prop. 205. Currently, it carries a penalty of up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $150,000.

"If a punishment policy fails to meet its objectives and causes harm to humans, we have a moral obligation to support change," the faith leaders write. "Our laws punishing marijuana use continue to cause significant harm to individuals, families, and society. In response to that harm, we support replacing marijuana prohibition with a system of strict regulation and sensible safeguards. We urge all voters in Arizona to support Proposition 205."