Pubdate: Thu, 01 May 2003
Source: Missoula Independent (MT)
Copyright: 2003 Missoula Independent
Contact: http://www.missoulanews.com/News/Letters/LetterTo.asp
Website: http://www.missoulanews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1534
Author: John Masterson

OPERATION ENDURING WEED-DOM

This week marks the beginning of Cannabis Liberation Week worldwide, an 
event that demands an end to the failed public policy of marijuana prohibition.

Currently, the distorted market forces of the government-created black 
market for marijuana have pushed its value beyond that of gold. Rather than 
continue to subsidize this criminal enterprise, let's acknowledge the 
social reality of marijuana and set up a safe, regulated, and 
age-controlled market.

Taxing and regulating marijuana would also separate the consumers of this 
relatively harmless substance from those of hard drugs like heroin and 
methamphetamine.

The minor health risks associated with marijuana are inconsequential when 
compared to the long-term effects of a criminal record. Montana law states 
that you can go to prison for years for possession, and the rest of your 
life for growing.

Montana NORML hopes you and your friends will join us in a march for 
Cannabis Liberation, starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at Jacob's Island.

John Masterson
Montana NORML
Missoula
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