Pubdate: Thu, 22 May 2008
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2008 The Sun-Times Co.
Contact:  http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Author: Dan Linn

TAX, REGULATE MARIJUANA

America needs to remember that alcohol prohibition failed and the war
on drugs is just another prohibition.

People abuse prescription drugs and alcohol but surely nobody wants to
outlaw those! There is not one good reason to continue arresting for
responsible cannabis use.

Taxing and regulating responsible adult cannabis consumption would
generate needed government funds and is long overdue, considering this
plant has not one overdose death despite widespread use.

Furthermore, establishing government-controlled and regulated markets
for currently illegal drugs is more sensible than letting criminals
profit from these markets.

Most drugs are dangerous and that is the very reason that government
control of those markets is needed. However, free people should
legally be able to use drugs so long as there is no harm to others.

Dan Linn,

executive director, Illinois NORML
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MAP posted-by: Derek