Medical Professionals Support Legalizing Cannabis
Cannabis prohibition further hurts racial disparities and poses issues for public health
MADISON – Across the country, attitudes towards cannabis legalization are shifting, with less than 10% of American supporting the continued prohibition of cannabis. Health officials are looking at cannabis legalization as a way to address disparities in communities of color as well as in public health.
Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) and Dr. Angela Janis released the following statements:
Senator Melissa Agard:
“The most dangerous thing about cannabis is that it remains illegal. Cannabis prohibition harms communities across our state through over-policed and outdated drug policies.
“Cannabis prohibition is more than a social justice and economic issue – it is a public health issue. As the state with the worst racial disparities, this needs to be a top priority for our state to right past wrongs.”
Angela Janis, MD, DFAPA:
“Cannabis criminalization laws are not effective and negatively impact public health. Arrests can have lifelong negative effects in one’s ability to access housing, employment, and education. These impacts can be especially significant for people of color given the significant disparities in the enforcement of the laws. We need policies that start to address Wisconsin’s significant health disparities, and cannabis legalization is one of the ways to achieve this.” — Angela Janis, MD, DFAPA
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Legalizing of Marijuana
- Data Wonk: Will State Move to Legalize Marijuana? - Bruce Thompson - Sep 25th, 2024
- Data Wonk: Should Wisconsin Legalize Marijuana? - Bruce Thompson - Sep 18th, 2024
- Indigenous-Led Campaign Launches to Support Medical Marijuana - Isiah Holmes - Sep 4th, 2024
- How Delta-8 Impacts Marijuana Debate in Wisconsin - Richelle Wilson - Jun 18th, 2024
- Milwaukee Officials Praise Rescheduling of Cannabis by Biden - Isiah Holmes - May 20th, 2024
- What Will Wisconsin Do Now That Feds Are Moving to Ease Marijuana Restrictions? - Rich Kremer - May 2nd, 2024
- A Better Wisconsin Together Renews Call for Cannabis Legalization - A Better Wisconsin Together - Apr 20th, 2024
- Republicans’ Medical Marijuana Bill Is Likely Dead - Baylor Spears - Feb 18th, 2024
- The State of Politics: Why GOP Divided on Medical Marijuana - Steven Walters - Jan 15th, 2024
- Bill Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession Under 14 Grams - Rich Kremer - Jan 15th, 2024
Read more about Legalizing of Marijuana here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader
