Alaskan Majority Support Nullifying Unconstitutional Federal Marijuana Laws

According to two polls, Alaskans favor nullifying the federal prohibition of marijuana and legalizing it for recreational use within the state.

And they will soon have the opportunity to do just that. The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana in Alaska will be on the ballot later this year

The Alaska House Majority Caucus’ annual poll of Alaskans on a host of issues revealed that 52 percent of Alaskans polled were in favor of the marijuana initiative while 44 percent were opposed and 4 percent undecided. A second poll done by Public Policy Polling found the numbers in Alaska slightly better in the affirmative with 55 percent in favor, 39 opposed and 6 undecided.

“Alaskans are clearly fed up with the failed policies of marijuana prohibition and believe it’s time for a more sensible approach,” said Chris Rempert, political director for the campaign, in a statement. “The poll results reflect momentum and support we are seeing on the ground for regulating marijuana like alcohol in Alaska.”

“A bipartisan tidal wave of public support for regulating marijuana like alcohol in Alaska has pushed the issue onto the ballot, and we will be running an aggressive campaign designed to build momentum on that.” campaign spokesman Taylor Bickford told Reuters.

Federal law prohibits marijuana for any reason, but the feds lack the constitutional authority for the legal ban. The Constitution does not delegate any authority to the federal government to regulate a plant within the borders of a state. Doubt this? The ask yourself why it required a constitutional amendment to institute a similar ban on alcohol.

If the initiative passes, the people in Alaska will join those in Colorado and Washington in ignoring federal drug laws and court rulings.  These state actions serve to effectively nullify the unconstitutional federal prohibition. As more states  pass similar measures, it becomes increasingly difficult for the federal government to enforce its ban. The feds simply lack the resources to maintain prohibition when states refuse to support it. Figures indicate state and local enforcement accounts for more than 90 percent of the marijuana arrests. Take that state and local support away and marijuana prohibition dies.

If Alaska ultimately legalizes marijuana for recreational use, it will represent yet another nail in the coffin holding the withering body of the federal government’s failed war on weed.

ACTION ITEM

To learn how you can join the fight against unconstitutional federal marijuana prohibition, click HERE.