Surgeon General: Don’t “Lock People Up For Marijuana Use”

On Sunday, the US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD told CNN that “When it comes to decriminalization, I don’t think that there is value to individuals or to society to lock people up for marijuana use. I don’t think that serves anybody well.”

He went on to say “In terms of our approach to marijuana, I worry when we don’t let science guide our process and policymaking and as surgeon general that’s my role, is to work with policymakers who work with members in the community and the general public to help people understand what science tells us and where you gaps, to help fill those gaps with research and with honest inquiry.”

His remarks reflect the rapidly growing body of evidence that marijuana has therapeutic properties.

This interview took place just days after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Cory Booker and Ron Wyden, introduced a draft proposal of how to end marijuana prohibition, undo the harm inflicted by the enforcement of criminalization, and a pathway forward for a post-prohibition regulatory structure to ensure product, consumer, and public safety.

NORML is actively seeking feedback from supporters on the new Senate proposal. You can submit your comments here.