Pubdate: Wed, 20 May 2009
Source: Guardian (Wright State U, OH Edu)
Copyright: 2009 Guardian
Contact: http://www.theguardianonline.com/2.9150
Website: http://www.theguardianonline.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4586
Author: Courtney Redman
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n427/a06.html

LEGALIZATION HAS A SELF-DEFEATING PURPOSE

The article [editorial] entitled, "Finance the bailout: Legalize 
weed", was published on Tuesday, April 7, 2009.  It argued that 
legalizing marijuana would benefit the government by reducing costs 
on drug control and police resources, and could even be used as a 
source of tax income.

According to the article, the market on legalizing marijuana would 
bring "between 2.4 billion dollars and 6.2 billion dollars in tax 
revenues" which would easily counterbalance the 8 billion dollars 
spent annually on law enforcement. I feel that they are overlooking 
the fact that if marijuana were to be legalized, there would no doubt 
be a mass surge of people buying the drug, which would lead to bigger 
problems. Instead of drunk driving, people may be driving while high, 
which would still call for police intervention, not to mention the 
possibility of violence and vandalism while high.

All of these factors would add to the workload of the police force, 
which would raise their costs. This seems to be a self-defeating purpose.

The author also refers to marijuana as being a "healthier 
alternative" to cigarettes. This is supposed to be supportive of 
legalizing marijuana, but even though it is not as bad for some 
aspects of physical health it still takes a toll on a person's mind 
and body. Though there are no known deaths from marijuana overdoses, 
but accidental death does occur when a person is high.

Legalizing marijuana and using it as just another source of income, 
despite the massive pitfalls it presents, would equal to nothing more 
than becoming a petty drug lord looking to make a quick buck on a 
booming industry. I believe that the affect of people and not pocket 
books should be what drive the decision to legalize or ban marijuana. 
Once money takes precedent over the health and safety of people it 
sets precedent for a downward spiral in which the ends always justify 
the means.

Courtney Redman
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