Pubdate: Mon, 29 May 2000
Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK)
Copyright: 2000 The Anchorage Daily News
Contact:  http://www.adn.com/
Author: Lincoln Swan

MARIJUANA GOOD FOR ECONOMY

A lot of people don't understand that relegalizing marijuana would benefit
all of us. Just imagine the benefits to Alaska's economy if the initiative
passes Nov. 7. We would be taking a product that currently generates no
taxable revenue and turning it into a legitimate industry, capable of not
only standing on its own but also strengthening one of our greatest boons,
the tourism industry. Apart from this, when this initiative passes, we will
be one of the only states with the ability to cultivate industrial hemp, a
crop that creates more revenue with less space and less maintenance than any
other crop.

Imagine when the scores of citizens currently imprisoned are no longer
sucking up taxpayer money by being housed and fed by the state government.
When people realize that Alaska is the state that supports your right to use
this benevolent plant in your own home, they'll flock up here to support not
only the cause but also the economy of the state that made it possible.

Think about it.

- - Lincoln Swan, Anchorage
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