United States: how much would it cost to legalize cannabis?

American democracy is strongly intertwined with business. Every time the polls are called, lawmakers propose different measures for their states. Private companies and associations, concerned by possible changes in the legislature, officially devote funds to influencing citizens' votes, with large lobbying budgets.

Each side runs its own «yes» or «no» campaign, but must also provide full campaign accounts and sources of funds. So let's take a closer look at what the various "yes" and "no" campaigns have generated. recreational cannabis in 2016 in the United States.

Cost of legalizing cannabis in California

We already told you about the overwhelming campaign pro-cannabis legalization camp in California. In the numbers, the pro-legalization camp's budget is even more overwhelming. The pro-cannabis winners spent over $25 million, while their opponents spent $2.1 million. Proposition 64 passed 57, 13% on November 8. The American system also exposes the major donors or investors in the campaign. For example Sean Parker, founder of Napster and co-founder of Facebook, has invested $8.6 million in the campaign. The association Drug Policy Report came next. Sponsors of the «no» vote included Julie Schauer, a retired millionaire and the Smart Approach of marijuana, an association which had already caused controversy.

Cost of legalizing cannabis in Nevada

The State of Nevada also legalized cannabis on November 8. In the Game State, the campaign for legalization has been tighter. As of January 19, the pro-legalization side had spent $4.283 million, while the anti-legalization side had spent $3.5 million. 3.773 million dollars. Like the amount of money spent, the score was close, but legalization won out in the end at 54.47%. It's worth noting that in Nevada, most of the sponsors for legalization were associations such as Marijuana Policy Project, an association that fully supported Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson, and also donated to the Senate campaign of Republican Rand Paul.

The billionaire casino magnate, Sheldon Adelson funded the bulk of the No campaign, to the tune of $3.65 million. The CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation invested over $9 million in Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada and Arizona against the legalization of cannabis. Through his company, he has also invested in a campaign against fossil fuel regulation in Nevada.

Cost of legalizing recreational cannabis in Arizona

Arizona is the only state where recreational cannabis was rejected by citizens on the November ballot. In this state, patrons from each camp invested almost the same amount: 6.547 million for the pro-cannabis side and 6.368 for the con side. Among the big donors on the opposing side were our friend Sheldon Adelson, and Insys thérapeutic 500,000 each.

A nod to the anti-legalization patrons in Maine, who spent just $300,000 compared with $3.45 million for the pro-legalization camp. In this state, legalization won with 50,26% of the vote, a very close score given the investments of around 10 to 1.

A case of transparent big money

Let's start with a balance sheet: in 2016 in 5 states, lobbyists spent nearly $62 million.

Let's continue with a moral assessment. The American system undoubtedly has its shortcomings. And of course, we can also question the origin of the funds used by militant associations. But it's precisely in the United States that the accounts of all campaigns, in all states and on all issues, are transparent. A system where money is king, but where all campaign financing is communicated, verified and made available to the public.

It would help some people in France...

Théo Caillart