Title:
Ask your legislators to reduce the budget deficit by reforming Tennessee's marijuana laws
Message:
According to several recent media reports, Tennessee faces a $322 million budget deficit this year. A January article in the Tennessean outlined plans to add more than 2,000 prison beds to the state's correctional system at a cost of more than $34 million per year, not including construction costs. Instead of wasting money to build new prisons, Tennessee legislators should consider legislation creating civil penalties for marijuana possession to free up existing prison space.
Tennessee has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the nation. Possession of less than one-half ounce is punishable by incarceration for up to one year, and possession of larger amounts is punishable by up to six years in prison. Because incarcerating a single prisoner for one year costs Tennessee taxpayers $17,000, this is an expensive policy.
Only you can influence your legislators to save money by reducing penalties for marijuana offenses. Please take a few minutes to take action now. After you choose your favorite pre-written letter and type in your address, our site will automatically determine your state senator and representative and e-mail your letter to them … all with the click of a few buttons. The whole process takes less than two minutes, but makes a world of difference.
Ending the prosecution of marijuana posession offenses—and releasing those currently in jail on possession charges—would reduce Tennessee's prison expenses immediately. For every offender not prosecuted or incarcerated, the state would save on court costs, police time, and prison expenses.
Communication from constituents is one of the most decisive factors for legislators when considering an issue. Please pass this message along to other Tennessee residents so that we can increase the pressure to change Tennessee's misguided marijuana policy.
