Regulate it, and everyone wins.
Billions for schools and services, fewer unjust arrests, and no surge in teen use. Here's what the data shows.
Money for communities
States that regulate adult-use cannabis have collected a combined $28.4 billion in tax revenue. Colorado alone has generated more than $2.8 billion since 201457. (Compiled by the Marijuana Policy Project from state revenue reports.)
Kids stay protected
Across national and state youth surveys from 1993 to 2019, researchers found little evidence that legalization encourages teen use53.
Fairer justice
Black Americans were 3.64 times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession, despite similar use56. Reform takes aim at exactly these arrests. U.S. marijuana arrests peaked at about 873,000 in 200762.
Fewer pills
States with medical cannabis dispensaries saw millions fewer daily opioid doses prescribed through Medicare Part D50.
Better research
The National Academies named Schedule I status as a key barrier to cannabis research11. Rescheduling is a step toward removing that barrier.
Known, tested products
Tennessee's TABC says its regulations are meant to let consumers know what's in a product, whether it's legal and safe, and how intoxicating it is39.