Pubdate: Tue, 05 Oct 2004
Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR)
Copyright: 2004 The Oregonian
Contact:  http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324
Author: Al Hayward
Cited: Measure 33 http://www.Yeson33.org
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Measure+33

TURN PROBLEM INTO A PROFIT

Measure 33 backers and foes both ignore reality. Nearly 80 percent of
the 10,000-plus Oregon medical marijuana card holders become criminals
and get their "pot," as do the other estimated 150,000 medical and
non-medical users in Oregon, from illegal street sources.

Oregon annually spends millions in failed police control of
marijuana's growing use.

As a nonsmoker, I offer a solution: Quit making criminals richer and
patients criminals. Tax and control marijuana like more dangerous
alcohol and tobacco. And add billions, now lost, to Oregon state tax
revenues.

AL HAYWARD

Troutdale 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake