All candidates for the State Legislature and the Washington delegation to the U.S. Congress have received a letter and questionnaire with a three part question regarding their position on this controversial, but critical, issue.
In coordination with a comprehensive voter registration drive the Seattle-based organization has taken an unprecedented strategy in an effort to educate and inform Washington state voters directly affected by laws that incarcerate non-violent offenders, restrict doctors from prescribing marijuana, permit the destruction of Pacific Northwest forests and halt the economic benefits of industrial and agricultural hemp production.
The debate is over. The prisons are filled to capacity. It is past time to step forward and demand an end to laws created out of fear and disinformation. It is time for state lawmakers to lead the way in this political movement which is gaining momentum nation wide. Voters need to know their candidates' and legislators' view on this matter so they can make an educated decision when casting their ballot.
In a recent reader's poll by the Gannett publication USA Weekend (3/29/96), 74% of respondents supported decriminalization of marijuana. All over our country political rallies drawing tens of thousand of adult voters have clearly shown popular support exists at a time when elected officials must be held accountable for intrusive laws which violate the constitutional rights of Americans.
Sincerely,
Washington Citizens for Hemp Reform