Pubdate: Sun, 11 May 2003 Source: Star, The (IL) Copyright: 2000 The Sun-Times Co. Contact: http://www.starnewspapers.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1052 Author: Richard J. Rawlings IT WOULD REAP A WINDFALL The state of Illinois could be one of the most prosperous states in the U.S. if marijuana prohibition were repealed. With its abundant, rich, and fertile farmland, the state could produce some of the finest marijuana in the country. The growth of commercial, industrial, and medical marijuana would make Illinois one of the richest agricultural states. All the 60-plus years of prohibition has done is build a demand for marijuana, so strong it is the No. 1 sought-after drug in the United States and the world. This prohibited drug is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco and our government lets it feed terrorists through the black market. We need to stop funding terrorists and start feeding our own with better education, medical care, and a better way of life for all. Let's stop building prisons on our God-given farmland, let's plant and prosper from one of God's given seeds. RICHARD J. RAWLINGS Illinois Marijuana Party Peoria - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake