People have mixed reactions when they see or hear the words "legalize marijuana."

To marijuana reform advocates, the implications are understood, but when these words fall on prohibitionist eyes and ears, they impart a fear of moral decay. These words are often interpreted as approving of, or advocating for the use of marijuana.

This is simply not true.

The phrase "legalize marijuana" is a clarion call to end prohibition on cannabis. When we hear the word "prohibition," we usually associate it with alcohol and the 18th Amendment. The connection that many people do not make is that we have been living under prohibition of cannabis in Washington state since 1923.

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