Pubdate: Mon,  2 Mar 2009
Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Copyright: 2009 San Jose Mercury News
Contact:  http://www.mercurynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/390
Author: James Wiley
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n222.a06.html

A MORE RATIONAL DRUG POLICY FOR STATE

The recent proposal by San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano to
re-legalize and tax cannabis the same as alcohol is a welcome sign of
a more rational drug policy for California. Frenzied prison building,
police corruption, Mexican gang violence, damage to state and national
forests from illegal grows and conversion of private homes to grow
crops are all symptoms of a failed drug policy. The annual crop in
California alone is worth an estimated $3 billion to $4 billion.
Should bankrupt state and local governments take back control of this
lucrative market through regulation/taxation or leave it to the
criminals, terrorists and drug gangs?

James Wiley

San Anselmo
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin