Background
No Dem Left Behind, a grassroots coalition of Democratic candidates, announced their platform on legalizing cannabis. No Dem Left Behind has announced their support of the expungement of all nonviolent offenders as a result of cannabis, and the federal legalization of cannabis, due to the positive consequences agriculturally, and to the criminal justice system.
Agricultural & Environmental Benefits
Under our current system, the criminalization of cannabis doesn’t prevent it from being grown, but only prevents it from being grown using viable methods. As cannabis is grown indoors, it requires intense light fixtures, complicated humidifiers, continuous air conditioners, purifiers, and ventilation systems. Growing cannabis indoors uses 1% of the nation’s total electricity uses. NDLB supports the legalization of cannabis to enable more efficient growth practices throughout the United States, reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
Criminal Justice System Benefits
The criminalization of cannabis has disproportionately affected communities of color, especially black communities. In the United States, African American individuals are 4 times more likely than white individuals to be arrested for marijuana possession, despite using marijuana at the same rate as white individuals. NDLB believes that the legalization of cannabis will positively affect the criminal justice system by decline the number of nonviolent offenders, and reducing the number of African American individuals who are targeted by law enforcement.
Cannabis & The GOP
The Trump Administration’s farm bailouts have done little to address the problems facing the agricultural community, and have cost the taxpayer billions. No Dem Left Behind’s support of legalizing cannabis will offer support for both the taxpayer and the farmers, enabling them to make up the sales that were lost thanks to the Trump Administration’s trade dispute with marijuana sales.
About No Dem Left Behind
No Dem Left Behind is a national grassroots coalition dedicated to getting Democratic candidates in red districts elected. It is composed of congressional candidates across the country who are fighting to represent their constituents and get elected.
