A haze of controversy surrounds I-1068

“Decriminalize” is the buzzword for Sensible Washington, the group backing I-1068, the latest effort to legalize marijuana.

In short, this measure seeks to remove state civil and criminal penalties for people 18 or older who cultivate, possess, transport, sell, or use marijuana.

The group, led by Philip Dawdy, has until July to collect 241,000 signatures and secure the initiative a place on November ballots.

Steve Erickson, the group’s field organizer for Whidbey Island, said 5,000 signatures is his target for Whidbey; Camano Island will be picked up by Snohomish County.

Erickson said decriminalizing marijuana makes sense from an economic standpoint.

“We’re spending $100- 150 million a year to prosecute people for the possession of small amounts of marijuana,” Erickson said.

In addition, he said, residents’ money is going to drug cartels while local farmers are cheated out of a possible crop.

Erickson said there’s also the “personal liberties” aspect to the issue.

Penalties would remain in place for minors and DUIs would still be enforced, but otherwise, he said, marijuana is a “fairly non-injurious” way to relax.

Island County Commissioner John Dean said he supports “citizen grassroots efforts to call for a public vote on important issues such as this.”

However, Dean also has some concerns.

“We are not here at this time and place to simply relax and have a good time,” Dean said. “We have some important work to do. We need everyone’s clarity and wits about them.”

Dean said he also worries about the effects on people as young as 18.

“We know that alcohol is a big factor in diverting many teens from more active, productive lives. Legalizing marijuana, I fear, sends the wrong message,” he said.

Nevertheless, I-1068 gathered 300 signatures from a wide demographic during its first week and a half on Whidbey Island.

“It really cuts across (party) lines,” Erickson said, and if it makes it to a vote, he thinks, “It has a very good chance of passing.”

Dean was a bit more cautious, and said, “Before expressing support for one side or another, we all will need to learn more about potential long-term, possibly hidden social effects of legalizing marijuana.”

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown agreed.

“I’m against it,” he said.

“In so many crimes we see, the suspects are drugged up when they do these things,” he added.

In addition, Brown said, “both pot and alcohol have been termed so-called gateway drugs.”

Brown also expressed concern about DUIs, noting that while law enforcement has found a way to measure intoxication by alcohol and set a legal limit, there’s no definition or measurement for what it means to be under the influence of drugs.

Finally, he said, “you’re still gonna have a black market for marijuana.”

Once it’s legalized, he said, it will be taxed, and it won’t be long until people are trying to undercut that system.

“There’s a myriad of issues,” Brown said.

For more information, visit www.sensiblewashington. org.

Staff Reporter Jeremiah O’Hagan: 629-8066 ext. 125 or ohagan@scnews. com.