Pubdate: Thu, 23 Apr 2009
Source: Boulder Weekly (CO)
Copyright: 2009 Boulder Weekly
Contact:  http://www.boulderweekly.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/57
Author: Ralph Givens
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n440/a10.html

MISLEADING ARGUMENTS

John J. Coleman is correct that "Decriminalizing Marijuana Won't Help 
Society," but not for the reason he thinks. Decriminalization keeps 
control of marijuana in the hands of outlaws and prevents the 
regulation that would lower teen use. So long as growing and selling 
marijuana is illegal, there can be no civil control of the cannabis 
market. The notion that marijuana prohibition is stopping anyone who 
wants pot from getting it is a bigger delusion than any drug-induced 
hallucination.

Legalizing marijuana for adult use will end the "drug crime" 
associated with cannabis and save the country more than $14 billion 
in reduced enforcement, court and incarceration expenses and 
increased tax revenues.

After more than 70 straight years of reefer madness failure it's time 
to end the lunatic war against pot.

Ralph Givens/Daly City, Calif.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom