The former special agent-in-charge of Seattle’s FBI office and a 27 year veteran of the FBI – Charlie Mandigo – has endorsed Initiative 502, which would legalize and regulate small amounts of cannabis in Washington state.

In a statement, Mandigo writes:

There is no question the time has come when government must curtail discretionary programs. If the resources were available, continued enforcement of criminal laws for possession and use of small amounts of marijuana might be a discretionary function of government. But we have gone beyond the point where the resources are available or there is a justifiable cost-benefit to society. There must be an end to sacred cows.

It’s a shame that it has taken an incredible economic downtown and lack of government resources to make many see the folly of arresting people for marijuana, but every new member of the cause is welcome.

People like Charlie Mandingo fought on the front lines of The War on Drugs, and if men and women like that think marijuana can be legal without society collapsing, it’s hard to argue with their motives or experience.

Some of the aspects of Initiative 502 include:

• Distribution to adults 21 and over through marijuana-only stores that are licensed and regulated through the state Liquor Control Board
• Production and processing of marijuana also licensed and regulated by the LCB, and restricted to Washington businesses
• Tight advertising restrictions

And be sure to check out our Open Letter on Behalf of 30 Million Cannabis Users and join us in our fight!