Pubdate: Sat, 23 Jun 2012 Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA) Copyright: 2012 The Fresno Bee Contact: http://www.fresnobee.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/161 Author: Joseph Starnes LEGALIZE MARIJUANA As a non-marijuana smoker who has done some research on this topic, I believe that it should be the people's choice to either use or not. The biggest issue over this controversy seems to be the criminal effect of the drug on society. The leading criminal activity surrounds drug cartels because the drug is illegal. I believe that legalization of marijuana would drive the drug cartels out of the picture and the only criminal elements left over the issue would be robberies, burglaries and traffic violations. The robberies and burglaries could be contained by security and surveillance handled by the businesses themselves and the traffic violations could be handled by the police just the same as alcohol. I understand the complications of not being able to readily test for THC, however, I'm sure with the legalization the test issue could be solved. The benefits seem to outweigh the negatives on this issue. Taxation, regulation and fair trade would serve our country well in this present economic climate and I truly believe it could be the same as alcohol. Joseph Starnes Tollhouse - --- MAP posted-by: Matt