Pubdate: Sat, 19 Apr 2003
Source: University Leader, The (KS Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The University Leader
Contact:  http://www.fhsu.edu/Leader/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1693
Author: Brian Hansbury, Staff Writer, The Keystone
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

AN ARGUMENT FOR LEGALIZATION

Student Questions Why Marijuana Is Illegal And Poses Reasons Why It Should 
Not Be.

Semester after semester, year after year, college students continue to 
question the legitimacy of our nation's marijuana prohibition. Throughout 
my time here at KU, I have explored this issue, but have yet to be 
satisfied with a logically sound argument supporting pot's illegality. If 
knowledge is power, then it's necessary to open the eyes of those blinded 
by the drug war's propaganda, in order for a more sensible policy to 
emerge. I've spoken with several public officials about the legalization of 
marijuana and many of their anti-legalization arguments are easily 
countered and surprisingly naive.

Congressman Tim Holden argues that "Prohibiting the non-medicinal use of 
certain mind-altering substances has been a public policy goal of the 
federal government for more than a century." Aren't alcohol, caffeine, and 
even tobacco all "mind-altering substances" of some sort? It's widely 
accepted that public policy is often outdated and socially harmful. Take 
for instance, slavery or the prohibition of alcohol. If traditional thought 
wins out over intellectual debate, then democracy is dead. My father once 
told me that success lies in one's ability to change. Changing your 
thoughts and actions is hard, but not impossible.

The congressman went further to say that the economic costs of drug abuse 
were estimated to be near "$160 billion in 2000." That includes lost 
productivity, health care costs, and the costs associated with the 
incarceration of drug abusers. Although lost productivity and the costs of 
health care are serious problems, I would assume those consequences are 
triggered more by hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin or LSD, than 
marijuana. More importantly, the majority of the economic costs associated 
with drug abuse stem from the prison system. That is, it is costing our 
nation much more to keep marijuana illegal than if it were to be legalized, 
and many of the top private contributors to the drug war are pharmaceutical 
companies, who would rather have citizens get high on their own products. 
Simply put, they're eliminating competition. President Cevallos was also 
considerate enough to discuss this issue with me. He explained both the 
pros and cons of the legalization of marijuana.

"[Legalization] would limit the role of the Mafia and 'cartels' in dealing 
with marijuana-probably even generate some tax revenue," said Dr. Cevallos. 
Although this is an excellent point, it may be rather understated. The 
potential for both a drastic reduction in crime rates and a huge increase 
in revenue, either from taxes or a state run marijuana institution like the 
state liquor stores, is incredible.

Negatively, "[marijuana] is a drug, it does alter your perceptions, it does 
put people at risk -driving, behaviors, attitudes, etc." Also valid points, 
but this does not seem to affect our government's views of alcohol. Age 
requirements and driving restrictions could be implemented, similar to 
those already in place with regard to alcohol.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager