Pubdate: Sat, 13 Oct 2007
Source: Tucson Citizen (AZ)
Copyright: 2007 Tucson Citizen
Contact:  http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/461
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1155/a01.html
Author: Kirk Muse
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

SOLUTION IS TO LEGALIZE, NOT DECRIMINALIZE, POT

Re: the Oct. 8 column "As drugs pour in, legalizing pot no longer a pipe 
dream":

Thanks for publishing Robert Robb's outstanding column. I certainly agree 
that legalization is the best answer compared with decriminalization. With 
decriminalization, distribution and production remain in the hands of 
criminals.

I disagree that: "Legalization of even marijuana would be a big step into 
the unknown." For the vast majority of our nation's history, marijuana was 
legal. It was first criminalized via the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. Before 
1937, anybody could buy marijuana in pharmacies and lots of other places 
with no questions asked.

Did we have a major problem with marijuana back then? No. Do we have a 
major problem with marijuana today? Yes.

That's because today marijuana is unregulated, untaxed and controlled by 
criminals, just as alcohol was when it was illegal.

KIRK MUSE Mesa
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D