Measure 2 falls short, but garners record support

On November 2, 2004, Alaska voters defeated Measure 2 -- a grassroots initiative that would have taken marijuana off of the criminal market -- 44% to 56%. While the initiative lost, this was the largest statewide vote to end marijuana prohibition in the nation's history.

The campaign also sparked a statewide and nationwide discussion of marijuana policy. The debate will continue, and our grassroots organization and mobilization provides a rock-solid foundation for the future of marijuana policy reform in Alaska.

Measure 2 proposed a sweeping and progressive change in marijuana policy.

If it had passed, Measure 2 would have: (1) removed the threat of arrest and jail for adults aged 21 and older who safely and responsibly use marijuana, (2) prompted the legislature to create a reasonable system of regulation for the manufacture, taxation, and sale of marijuana and (3) maintained penalties for distributing marijuana to minors and driving while under the influence of marijuana.

MPP would like to take this opportunity to thank Alaskans for Rights and Revenues and all of the volunteers whose hard work provided us with this historic opportunity, including Dr. Tim Hintenberger, Ken Jacobus, Jim Welch, Diane Benson, Peter Gordon, Dr. Kelly Drew, Paul Grant, Chip Thoma, Georgia Mario, John Farleigh, Wendy Isbell, Sherri Brown, and Mike Mueller.

Finally, MPP would like to thank all of our supporters who went to the polls and voted for Measure 2. Change is not an event, but a process!