According to an anti-drug advocate in California, conservatives are beginning to support marijuana legalization because they feel the war against drugs has failed.
The Associated Press reports that marijuana backers are trying to court conservatives in the race for legalization efforts in Colorado (Initiative 502), Oregon (Measure 80), and Washington (Amendment 64) -- three states that will see pro-pot measures on their November ballots. Marijuana supporters claim legalization is truly becoming a nonpartisan issue, as well-known conservatives are now on their side.
James Lee Lambert, an author and pro-family activist, weighs in on the change.
"I believe we're losing conservatives because amongst the conservative rank, there are a lot of people who feel that the war on drugs has failed and that we spend a lot of money and time and resources on trying to enforce drug laws," he offers.
"What they fail to understand is of the money that's being spent out there to enforce the law, only two percent is used to, in fact, educate and to speak against the dangers of drugs in the form of prevention."
Former presidential runner Tom Tancredo (R) and libertarian presidential candidate Ron Paul both now back legalization efforts. Likewise, televangelist Pat Robertson has announced his support for decriminalizing marijuana.
Lambert, in contrast, feels the negative consequences and ramifications of legalization far outweigh those arguments -- and he directs individuals to MarijuanaHarmsFamilies.com for details supporting his stance.