Pubdate: Mon, 01 Jan 2007
Source: Juneau Empire (AK)
Copyright: 2007 Southeastern Newspaper Corp
Contact:  http://www.juneauempire.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/549
Note: Editorial reprinted from the Anchorage Daily News
Referenced: The Los Angeles Times report 'Pot Is Called Biggest Cash 
Crop' http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1708/a03.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX, DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA

A government report suggests that the market value of marijuana grown 
in the United States now tops $35 billion, making it this nation's 
largest cash crop, even more valuable than staples such as corn or soybeans.

It would seem to us that after years of trying to eradicate, 
interdict and stomp out marijuana - and spending lives and countless 
billions of dollars in the process - that it may be time to consider 
another approach. After all, the marijuana market is demand-driven 
and demand does not appear to be fading. Besides, $35 billion in 
product is a lot of value to leave unregulated and untaxed.

Activists are pushing for marijuana to be scratched from the list of 
serious Schedule 1 drugs, such as heroin, and be legalized, policed 
and taxed like tobacco and alcohol, the Los Angeles Times reports.

It is difficult to side with those who want to legalize marijuana. 
Goodness knows, we already have enough mind-altering garbage for sale 
legally in the United States, but the reality is that Prohibition did 
not work and the effort to stamp out marijuana is not working either. 
Despite all the government's efforts, it is available to just about 
anyone, in any part of the nation.

We can continue to prosecute the War on Drugs, continue the 
business-as-usual, futile cat-and-mouse game despite its obvious 
failings, or we can search for a new way that could lead to 
destruction of the marijuana cartels and the crime they breed. At the 
same time we could be fattening the treasury and ensuring the safety of users.

It is well beyond time to think outside the box. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake