Rick Steves Launches Tour Against Marijuana Prohibition

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Joanna Evoniuk, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Rick Steves

Rick Steves (L) with Mayor McGinn (R) of Seattle at Seattle Hempfest 2011

Photo credit: Mayor McGinn (Photo cropped)

Rick Steves, famed TV host and travel writer, is leading a tour in Oregon to promote the end of marijuana prohibition for the state. For six days in 10 different cities, Steve will share his observations of how different societies handle the issue of marijuana prohibition. Called “Travel as a Political Act: Ending marijuana prohibition in Oregon” and starting on October 7, his tour will be joined by the Yes on 91 Campaign.

Measure 91 on Oregon’s November ballot would legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older, along with outlining regulation and taxation for the substance. Steves was a co-sponsor for Washington’s ballot measure that passed in 2012, legalizing, regulating, and taxing the sale of marijuana for the state.

In a press release, Steves said, "One thing I've learned in 30 years of travel is that treating marijuana as a crime does not work. A better approach is to regulate it, legalize it and tax it. I'm an advocate for better policy, and that's what Oregon will get once Measure 91 passes."

The tour’s stops will be free and open to the public, with the exception the tour’s kick-off in Portland. Events will be taking place in Portland, Beaverton, Salem, Corvallis, Eugene, Medford, Ashland, Bend, The Dalles and Gresham. For more information about these events, click here.