RI PowerPlayer: Jared Moffat

RI PowerPlayer: Jared Moffat

Every week, GoLocalProv shines the spotlight on one individual who is making an impact on Rhode Island.  This week, GoLocalProv sat down with Jared Moffat, the director of Regulate Rhode Island, a coalition dedicated to ending marijuana prohibition in the Rhode Island, to talk about his current and future plans.

Tell us about how you became an activist for marijuana regulation and taxation.

From the mass incarceration of people of color to the brutal narco-violence in Latin America, the United States-led war on drugs has been a primary driver of some of the worst large scale human rights violations in modern times. When I first began learning about the terrible consequences of our failed drug laws, I was shocked that so few leaders and politicians were working to reform them, and I felt called to be part of the movement to end the war on drugs. As a student I was very involved with Students for Sensible Drug Policy, a fantastic nonprofit organization with chapters at colleges all over the US and around the world. I learned a great deal as a student organizer for SSDP, and when I graduated, I wanted to continue that work. I started the Regulate Rhode Island coalition through a crowd funding campaign and eventually ended up partnering with a DC-based nonprofit called Marijuana Policy Project, which now provides funding for Regulate Rhode Island. I consider myself very fortunate and privileged to be able to do this work.

We know that you support Rhode Island’s Marijuana Regulation, Control, and Taxation Act. Can you tell us a bit more about that? 

The Marijuana Regulation, Control, and Taxation Act would end the current policy of marijuana prohibition by establishing a system to regulate and tax the production and sale of marijuana to adults 21 and older. I like to say the bill would regulate marijuana similarly to alcohol, only better. It would essentially allow the state to replace the underground, illicit marijuana industry with licensed, tax-paying businesses. I have the privilege of working with the primary sponsors of that legislation, Senator Josh Miller and Representative Scott Slater, and with their leadership, I am quite optimistic about our chances this year. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

What are the biggest obstacles to passing this legislation? 

The biggest obstacle is getting people to understand that this is not a referendum on marijuana itself. Marijuana is going to be around in society whether it’s illegal or legal, and the state has already decided that adults shouldn’t get a criminal record simply for using marijuana. The question is whether we want marijuana to be controlled by illegal dealers in a dangerous underground market or if we’d rather have marijuana behind the counter of licensed, tightly regulated businesses. Do we want the profits from marijuana sales going to fuel crime and violence in the illicit industry or do we want to tax marijuana and have the money go towards improving our schools and providing important social services to our citizens? You don’t have to condone marijuana use to see that, just like alcohol prohibition, marijuana prohibition has proven to be an ineffective policy that undermines public health and safety. If we can educate enough lawmakers to understand that this is about the policy, not the plant, then I think we have a great shot at getting our legislation signed into law this year. 

Take us through a day in your life. 

Every day is different, and that’s part of what I love most about being a community organizer. I am always meeting new people and forming new partnerships. Most days for me begin around 8 am, which is when I begin reading the news and responding to emails. Peppered throughout the day are meetings and calls will allies, advocates, and potential supporters. Depending on the day of the week, I might be at the State House talking with legislators or running phone banks at our office in the evenings. Being an organizer requires adapting to new information while also staying focused on concrete goals. I really enjoy facing new challenges each day. 

Tell us something people might not know about you.

Hands down my favorite music genre is hip hop, and in my free time I like to practice the art of off-the-head, freestyle rapping. 

Who are your role models?

Definitely my grandparents, who have always taught me the importance of integrity and encouraged me to be a critical thinker and a diplomat. My wife, who is my foundation and inspires me every day to keep up the good fight. And for more “famous” people, I would say MLK, Jill Stein (presidential candidate for the Green Party), and Geologic (hip hop artist, emcee, and activist from Seattle, Washington). 

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world today, who would it be?

I would love to have lunch with Chris Rock! He’s my favorite comedian, and his social commentary is always spot on.