WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- Renowned travel expert Rick Steves recently sat down for an interview to share his insights on marijuana legalization, drawing from his extensive travel experiences and observations of European policies. Steves, who has spent much of his life traveling across Europe, offered a comparative perspective on how different countries handle drug decriminalization and regulation.

South Dakota citizens have the ability to vote to approve recreational marijuana through Initiated Measure 29 on the November 5 ballot.

Steves began by reflecting on his lifelong travels and the lessons from Europe’s approach to various societal challenges. “I’ve spent 100 days a year since I was a kid traveling around Europe, learning and writing guidebooks,” Steves noted. He emphasized that Europeans often favor pragmatic harm reduction over legislating morality.

Drawing parallels to America’s historical prohibition of alcohol, Steves explained, “We criminalized alcohol, and people realized the laws were causing more problems than the drug. When they legalized alcohol, they weren’t saying booze is good; they were advocating for pragmatic harm reduction and regulation.”

A leading advocate for marijuana legalization, Steves played a significant role in Washington state’s decision to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012 alongside Colorado. He highlighted that the movement was driven not by pot smokers but by public servants who recognized that the law was causing more harm than the drug itself.

“The numbers are in,” Steves asserted, noting that 24 states have followed suit since then. He emphasized that the benefits observed in Washington include reduced black market activities, increased tax revenue, and better allocation of law enforcement resources.

Steves pointed out that Europe provides valuable insights into drug decriminalization. Countries like Portugal and the Netherlands have adopted liberal marijuana laws to tackle complex drug problems more effectively. “In Europe, a joint is about as exciting as a can of beer,” Steves remarked, contrasting it with the United States, where many still face severe penalties for nonviolent marijuana possession.

Steves observed that by regulating marijuana like alcohol or tobacco, European countries have managed to reduce opioid-related deaths significantly. He noted that while the United States loses tens of thousands of people to drug overdoses annually, the numbers in Europe are substantially lower.

Reflecting on the impact of legalization in Washington, Steves shared, “Twelve years ago, people thought the sky would fall if we legalized marijuana. But adult use only went up slightly, teen use remained unchanged, and road safety stayed the same.” He added that the state successfully transitioned from a thriving black market to a highly regulated, taxed legal market, generating $400 million annually for health and education projects.

Steves emphasized the importance of looking at credible statistics, particularly those from state education and health departments. He pointed out that teen marijuana use has decreased in states where it has been legalized, contradicting fears that legalization would lead to increased use among adolescents.

Steves discussed the boldness required for states to legalize marijuana despite federal prohibition. He drew parallels to the end of alcohol prohibition, noting that change often begins at the state level. “States are supposed to be incubators of change,” Steves said, highlighting the importance of state-level initiatives in challenging and eventually changing federal laws.

Steves passionately argued for marijuana legalization as a matter of civil liberties. “If I work hard all day and want to go home and smoke a joint, that’s my civil liberty,” he stated. He emphasized that responsible use at home should be a personal choice, while driving under the influence should remain strictly prohibited.

Steves acknowledged potential risks associated with legalization, such as packaging that might attract children. He stressed the importance of regulation to mitigate these risks and pointed out that legal markets are more controlled and safer than black markets. “It’s easier for a teenager to buy marijuana in South Dakota today than in Washington state,” he noted, due to the strict regulations in place in legalized states.

As a board member of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Steves emphasized that his advocacy is rooted in civil liberties rather than promoting marijuana use. He highlighted the diverse support for legalization, including conservative, libertarian, and economic perspectives.

Steves concluded by reflecting on the broader perspective gained through travel. “When you travel, you come home with a broader perspective,” he said. “You can employ that broader perspective in your own home to make your community a better place.”

Steves noted that the decision now rests with South Dakota voters. “You passed it in 2020, but it was thrown out on a technicality. Now you’ve got a chance with a more tightly written law that won’t be thrown out,” he said, encouraging voters to exercise their freedom and recognize the civil liberty around marijuana.

He highlighted that marijuana use is already widespread, and legalization would bring it under a regulated framework, allowing adults to enjoy it responsibly without criminal consequences. “The question is, do you want to do it in a criminal way, or do you want to do it in a more American way?” Steves asked.

In conclusion, Steves expressed his passion for civil liberties and his commitment to sharing his understanding of drug policy reform. “This is the growing pains of freedom,” he said, underscoring the importance of thoughtful legislation and personal choice.