Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jun 2009
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Susan McKeehan
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n623/a03.html

TAXING LEGAL POT WOULD MAKE BILLIONS

Anyone curious about the effects of legalizing marijuana should read
Norman H. Clark's "Deliver us from Evil," a history of the prohibition
of alcohol and narcotics ["More are asking: Is it time to legalize
pot?" page one, June 16].

Alcohol was legalized -- in part -- in order to deprive organized
crime of money. Over time, the war on drugs has had little impact on
drug use.

By abolishing the war we would not only save billions of dollars in
expenses, we could earn billions through taxing marijuana. Every
scientific study shows that on-demand and court-ordered drug-treatment
programs cut drug use more cost-effectively than programs attempting
to cut access to drugs.

Susan McKeehan

La Conner
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