Sources for Introductory Video

Source #1

Our marijuana laws don't work. Despite fighting a war on marijuana for 35 years, marijuana is readily available, anytime, anywhere.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, "Drug Threat Assessment 2006," page 13: "Most national-level data and law enforcement reporting indicate that marijuana availability is high and stable or increasing slightly."

Source #2

Last year in Nevada, there were more arrests for simple marijuana possession than for violent crimes like murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault combined.

Source: Nevada Department of Public Safety, "Crime and Justice in Nevada 2005," monthly supporting data.

Source #3

A thriving criminal market for marijuana is financing the activities of violent gangs and drug dealers.

Sources:
U.S. Department of Justice, "Drug Threat Assessment 2006," page 16: "Mexican criminal groups control most wholesale marijuana distribution throughout the country."

U.S. Department of Justice, "Drug Threat Assessment 2006," page 16: "Much of the midlevel and retail distribution of marijuana in these [principal distribution centers] and other cities is controlled by African American, Asian American, and Hispanic street gangs."

White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), press release, May 1, 2006: "According to an ONDCP market analysis estimate, Mexican traffickers receive more than $13.8 billion from illicit-drug sales to the United States. The majority of that income comes from marijuana sales, which accounts for 61 percent of that income, or $8.5 billion, eclipsing the potential revenue from cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine combined. Estimated revenue for cocaine is $3.9 billion, methamphetamine $1 billion, and heroin less than $400 million.

"Director Walters said, 'Buying and using illegal drugs is not a victimless crime. It has negative consequences that can touch the lives of people around the world. When Americans spend money on illegal drugs, they are providing financial support to groups that use violence and terror as a way of doing business.'"

Source #4

One ounce of marijuana -- roughly the equivalent of a-pack-and-a-half of cigarettes ...

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, federal medical marijuana program.

Source #5

Half of the tax revenue would go to state drug education and treatment programs; the other half would go to the state general fund, creating millions of dollars for Nevada's most pressing needs.

Source: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Center for Business and Economic Research, "Fiscal Impact of Question 9: Potential State-Revenue Implications," 2002, p. 6. A report was commissioned to demonstrate the fiscal impact of passing a marijuana regulation initiative. See the study here.