Wouldn’t that be a nice problem to have? But there are definitely some wealthy cats out there who DO have an extra $3 million sitting around who also want to see weed legalized, so this is an opinion piece on what I would do if I were them. Are you listening, Mr. Wealthy Person who has the ability to change history with one lousy check?

If I had the money I would not hesitate to sponsor a legalization cannabis freedom initiative in the State of California. Why? Because California is ground zero for cannabis, and also has almost 12% of the Nation’s population. Cannabis is part of the California mainstream, and there are very few in CA who do not know someone who uses cannabis, or are familiar with the cannabis culture here. In a Presidential election year, in a very blue state, where it looks like the Republican and generally more conservative ticket will seriously be lacking enthusiasm, I believe it is VERY POSSIBLE to get 50% + 1 person to vote for cannabis freedom. I think there will be a lot of support at the polls for more liberal issues, and I think adult use cannabis reform WILL pass if we can get it on the ballot.

So the question is “which initiative would I support?” I would donate $1.5 million to signature gathering to put the Repeal Cannabis Prohibition Act on the ballot. Why do I choose Repeal over the other efforts? Because I think it is well-written by people I trust, and I think it has the best opportunity to pass. I think the simplicity of it will help to get buy in from the cannabis community, and I believe that the initiative would be best received by voters after exploring all titles and summaries. Its Title and Summary reads more clearly and uses more positive and less questionable language…mostly because it is better written IMO.

I love the Jack Herer CCHHI initiative, as well; but I simply feel it would be a more difficult battle to actually pass given some of the provisions it sets forth. In a perfect world where there was not 40 years of misinformation about cannabis to overcome, and a more educated and understanding voter population, I would say the Jack initiative would be great. But I think RCPA simply would have more electability, which is important. I think after passing Repeal, many of the Jack provisions would come naturally anyways.

The only issue I see facing RCPA is the age limit, which I think is easy to overcome. This is where I would focus another $1 million. I would roll out a public education campaign that educates the average voter on why 19 is a good limit, focused heavily on the fact that people in the military should be able to use a safe, enjoyable, and helpful plant if they can go to the Middle East and shoot people for our freedom. I would make the campaign message clearly about cannabis freedom, and question the ability of the US Government to outlaw a plant that does not meet the burden of proof for harm, as there is little danger and zero fatalities. I would make it a simple referendum on freedom. They do not have the right to tell you that you cannot use this safe, enjoyable, and helpful plant. I would scream “show me the bodies!” just like Jack used to. Only I would spread that message more heavily through non-traditional media channels and create a major buzz around the fact that we have all been lied to and that the madness must end now.

That leaves me $500,000 to work with to hire a professional campaign staff to do the work, organize the effort, speak on behalf of cannabis freedom, and combat any opposition swiftly and effectively.

So there you have it, rich folks. $3 million bucks to change the world. That is not too much to ask….Wouldn’t you like to be the person, or group of people, who began the crumbling of the walls of prohibition? Don’t you want to be the person we think of every time we light up a joint without fearing arrest, prosecution or persecution? Wouldn’t it be cool if we all thanked you every time we used cannabis because it was YOU who made cannabis freedom a reality?

I think the reward FAR outweighs the risk. For you, rich person, the money is likely irrelevant. Many of the wealthy people who currently sponsor cannabis reform make $3 million a year in interest on their fortunes. So why not take a shot this election season? Why not look at the situation as a great opportunity to change the world now? I think we have the 50% + 1 person out there. I promise you that if you put a legalization measure on the ballot I will do everything in my power to rally the troops, get our voters to the polls, and ensure a victory for the effort. I can almost assure you victory in the current climate, as California is ready to make that step.

Just Do It! Write a check today, so that we may be the change we want to see in the world. You, very wealthy awesome person who loves cannabis, have the opportunity to cement your name in the history books and make the world a much safer and better place to live. So I will ask again…pretty please with sugar on top will you sponsor an initiative to make cannabis legal in California? You will be my hero, and millions of others. You got this. Take the plunge. If you got the scratch, let’s push this thing over the edge and end cannabis prohibition once and for all.