Pubdate: Mon, 08 May 2006
Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK)
Copyright: 2006 The Anchorage Daily News
Contact:  http://www.adn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/18
Author: Emily Howlett
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

STOP WASTING MONEY, POLICE WORK AND JAIL SPACE; LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

I am writing concerning the current laws prohibiting marijuana. I 
believe that marijuana should be legalized for many reasons. One, the 
state pays a lot of money in attempts merely to stop the distribution 
of marijuana when the reality is that it will probably never happen. 
Two, our city and state officers use a lot of time in 
marijuana-related drug busts; these officers could be put to better 
use in crimes involving worse drugs or crimes with actual violence. 
Three, our jails are being filled up with people convicted of these 
petty marijuana charges, and the space that's taken up may lead to 
the necessity of another jail being built, which equals more money spent.

If marijuana remains illegal, I will be highly disappointed, because 
alcohol remains legal. Alcohol has many worse effects on people and 
yet it has not been illegalized. Legalize marijuana, but put the same 
restraints on it as on alcohol.

- ---- Emily Howlett

Anchorage
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman