Arizona’s Largest Newspaper Endorses Marijuana Legalization Bid

Arizona’s largest newspaper endorsed the ballot initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state on Sunday, writing that “the moment has come to correct the mistake” of prohibition made decades ago. The endorsement of Proposition 207 by the editorial board of the Arizona Republic comes as early voting for the November 3rd general election begins in the state this week.

“The Arizona Republic recommends passage of Prop. 207 because we need to right an historic wrong — to decriminalize marijuana use and put the responsibility back on individuals to choose wisely when it comes to low-grade substances such as marijuana and alcohol,” the newspaper’s editorial board wrote.

With a circulation of approximately 130,000, the Phoenix-based Arizona Republic is the state’s largest newspaper, giving its generally conservative viewpoint and endorsements considerable clout with the electorate. The editorial board wrote that legalizing cannabis is inevitable and that doing so will correct an overreach of government authority made long ago.
Read More