Pubdate: Sat, 24 Nov 2012
Source: Courier-Post (Cherry Hill, NJ)
Copyright: 2012 Courier-Post
Contact:  http://www.courierpostonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/826
Author: Eric Hafner

LEGALIZE POT

It is very promising to learn that Colorado and Washington State 
legalized marijuana for all adults, as the result of voter 
referendums on Nov. 6. Recreational marijuana will now be controlled, 
taxed and regulated by those states in a way similar to alcohol. 
Legitimate businesses will be licensed to sell marijuana.

New Jersey arrests approximately 25,000 people per year for marijuana 
offenses and has a 9.8 percent unemployment rate. It is time that New 
Jersey legalizes marijuana to create jobs, reduce crime and lower taxes.

Marijuana is objectively less harmful than alcohol. It is not 
addictive and no one has ever died from it. It is irrational to 
punish adults for using a substance safer than alcohol.

Just like alcohol prohibition, the prohibition of marijuana has not 
stopped its usage.

But rather only moved the profits of its production and sale into 
underground markets and unfairly brands otherwise law-abiding adults 
with criminal records, limiting access to employment and education.

Marijuana legalization will give New Jersey more jobs, lower taxes 
and reduce crime. New Jersey, follow the lead of Colorado and 
Washington State by taxing and regulating marijuana for adults like alcohol.

ERIC HAFNER

Toms River
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom