MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Delegate John Williams (D – Monongalia, 51) thinks legalizing recreational use of marijuana could be one part of a long-term fix involving teacher pay and benefits.
“This is a real opportunity we have, that we can jump on to raise revenue and not just for teacher pay raises and PEIA, but for other issues as well,” said Williams on WAJR’s Morgantown AM.
During the 2018 legislative session, one of the most debated topics has been the West Virginia Public Employee Insurance Agency and how it should be funded. That along with disputes over public employees pay raises and a perceived lack of care regarding the educational system from legislators has led to members of the West Virginia Educators Association and other public employees to allow for unions to take statewide action if needed.
Approximately $250 million a year is left on the table each year that marijuana remains a Schedule I narcotic, Williams said. He says those revenues could got towards multiple areas of need — not just to our education system or PEIA.
“Certainly, as a measure of good faith, I would want to see some of the money allocated towards drug cessation programs, all sorts of rehab facilities, and some to go towards the state police as well,” he said.
Williams also said marijuana legalization has potential use in the medical field, such as replacing a certain amount of pill or opioid prescriptions. Williams said the data surrounding legalized weed is becoming more and more positive.
“Data shows that marijuana can be used in lieu of painkillers,” he said. “It’s not something serious that will lead to further opioid use rather it could curb opioid use.”
Medical marijuana was legalized for use in West Virginia during last year’s legislative session, with Williams among those voting yes to the legislation. Williams said terms like “gateway drug” and “war on drugs” are outdated.
“The War on Drugs have been an epic failure, you might as well legalize it and be able to regulate it, so people can do it safely,” he said.