HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-15-20; 4-a - Resolution Supporting the Decriminalization of Marijuana
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 15, 2020
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting the Decriminalization of Marijuana
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S):
Draft Resolution
INFORMATION CONTACT:
BOCC Chair Penny Rich, (919) 245-
2126
PURPOSE: To consider a proposed Resolution Supporting the Decriminalization of Marijuana.
BACKGROUND: BOCC Chair Penny Rich submitted a petition at the Board’s September 1,
2020 Business meeting proposing that the Board consider a resolution supporting the
decriminalization of marijuana.
Chair Rich has provided the attached draft resolution for Board consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board consider the proposed
resolution, and if approved, authorize the Chair to sign the resolution.
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RES-2020-052 DRAFT
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DECRIMINALIZATION OF MARIJUANA
WHEREAS, The current prohibition of marijuana in North Carolina has caused the needless arrest and
incarceration of thousands of individuals, predominantly people of color, for nonviolent crimes, at great
social and economic cost despite the fact that people of color and whites use marijuana at the same rates,
and
WHEREAS, According to an American Civil Liberties Union study, as a result of disparate enforcement,
Black North Carolinians are over three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession, and
WHEREAS, an arrest for possession of marijuana can have an impact on housing, student loans, future
employment, child custody determinations and many other circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Studies also show that criminalization has not protected public health, in terms of adverse
effects of marijuana itself or in deterring substance abuse and addiction; and
WHEREAS, Marijuana legalization is sound public policy, necessary to address the health and societal
impacts of marijuana criminalization and the inequitable implementation of incarceration-based policies,
and
WHEREAS, the most recent Public Policy Polling results show North Carolinians support marijuana
legalization by a margin of 48% to 42%;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports the
decriminalization of marijuana in North Carolina and state legislation to legalize the distribution, sale, and
use of marijuana products pursuant to regulatory and taxation frameworks designed to ensure appropriate
use (including through age and other evidence-based restrictions) for recreational and medical purposes
while providing treatment for substance abuse;
BE IT FURTHERMORE RESOLVED that the Board believes such legislation should also provide for the
expungement of records for individuals previously convicted of crimes of distribution, possession, or use of
marijuana products;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board believes funds from the taxation of marijuana sales should
be used for the benefit of the communities most impacted by the incarceration of people for behavior that
society is legalizing, including the investment of marijuana sales tax revenues for job training, reentry
services, diversion programs, legal aid, literacy programs, youth mentoring and substance use treatment;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners requests that the
North Carolina General Assembly advocate for federal legislation to end the prohibition of marijuana at the
federal level, with its removal from the Controlled Substance Act, and the expungement of records for
those previously convicted of federal crimes for the distribution, possession, or use of marijuana, as well as
authorize state legalization policies and enabling the use of marijuana for medical purposes, including in
federally funded programs.
This the 15th day of September, 2020.
__________________________________
Penny Rich, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
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