Pubdate: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
Source: Indianapolis Star (IN)
Copyright: 2001 Indianapolis Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.starnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/210
Author: Dana York
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA CAN HELP STATE COFFERS

It seems just a few years back that Indiana was wondering what to do with a 
multibillion-dollar surplus. Now Gov. Frank O'Bannon is on television 
crying about the state's checkbook.

Suggestions to increase taxes on a declining cigarette market, increase the 
sales tax to 6 percent, or another penalty for the homeowner are all 
Band-Aid approaches destined to return us to the same predicament in just a 
few years.

I propose we consider decriminalizing hemp/cannabis/marijuana. This would 
accomplish:

. Return incarcerated non-violent citizens to society so they may care for 
their families, work and pay taxes. This alone would save millions the 
first year.

. Open new opportunity for Hoosier farmers. The latest figures show that an 
average acre now cashes out to $135. Hemp crops around the world show $420 
per acre with less use of herbicides and pesticides; that means fewer 
subsidies.

. No more wasted tax dollars used to eradicate this beneficial plant.

Many states around the country are reconsidering their laws. Nevada passed 
a decriminalization bill in its last session. Kentucky has just set up a 
commission to grow and study hemp. North Dakota recently passed a bill 
allowing farmers to grow hemp under .03 percent THC (intoxicating agent of 
cannabis).

Dana York

Director, Indiana NORML

Indianapolis
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MAP posted-by: Beth