Hello,

My name is Sam Williams and I am testifying in support of initiative 2 to regulate and tax marijuana. I am a husband, father, and a veteran. I have a mortgage on a home and I am an employee for an S & P 500 company here in Alaska. 

This November, Alaskans can take a stand against the Federal government and capture a huge opportunity by regulating and taxing marijuana like alcohol. Alaska could be the third state to pass the only common sense approach to Cannabis. Other states strapped for cash will seize this opportunity and Alaska needs to be ahead of the game. 

There are numerous economic benefits of legalized cannabis. One of those benefits is the revenue it can generate to local and state governments through tax revenue. Marijuana is here in the state and currently is only funding the black market which isn’t regulated for safety and quality.     

Currently our federal government recognizes marijuana as a drug that is highly addictive and processes no medical benefit. Thats right, our government says that it knows what is best for us when it comes to marijuana. Does that make any sense in regards to the current landscape involving marijuana? Does marijuana deserve to be in the same category as Heroin, LSD, and Ecstasy?  

The federal apparatus is stuck in a partisan rut which leaves us no other option. This is how change happens in our country when democracy works.

Marijuana is non-toxic and you can’t overdose on it. Alcohol, if consumed irresponsibly, can kill you. Thousands of people each year kill themselves either through overdose or chronic use by drinking alcohol, beer included. 

I will be voting yes on 2 because the prohibition of marijuana has failed our country. Our police can be free to combat real crime. Also, marijuana is a major cash crop for the Mexican drug cartel and by regulating it and taxing it, they will take a hit to there revenue source. 

Thank you
Sam Williams
Anchorage, AK

Sent from my iPhone