Pubdate: Thu, 25 Jun 2009
Source: Times-Standard (Eureka, CA)
Copyright: 2009 Times-Standard
Contact: http://www.times-standard.com/writeus
Website: http://www.times-standard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1051
Author: Barbara Probert

ON LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

Humboldt County already has de facto legalized marijuana because the
existing laws regarding this substance are not being enforced. That's
why Mr. Evans sees so many youth in trouble from its use.

Marijuana should become formally legalized with no sales allowed to
individuals under 18 years of age, the rules enforced regarding its
growth, and most importantly, its sales taxed. Taxes from these sales
would help ensure that our teachers keep their jobs, our parks and
libraries stay open, the zoo thrives, our streets are maintained,
traffic safety is restored and Mr. Evan's efforts are enhanced or his
job secured.

In addition, our precious water supply would no longer be siphoned off
for the illegal growth of pot, there would be fewer fires at grow
houses and reduced deaths from "drug deals gone wrong."

These are important considerations in this debate.

Barbara Probert
Eureka
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr