Pubdate: Tue, 12 Feb 2013
Source: Delaware County Daily Times (PA)
Copyright: 2013 The Daily Times
Contact:  http://www.delcotimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1284
Author: Danielle Lynch

LEACH TO PROPOSE BILL LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

State Sen. Daylin, D- 17, of Upper Merion, discussed why he believes
it would be beneficial to legalize marijuana during a news conference
in Harrisburg Monday afternoon.

Leach said his bill would legalize marijuana for all purposes - both
medicinal and recreational.

Leach said people would have to be 21 years old to use marijuana. In
addition, he said it would continue to be illegal to drive a vehicle
while under the influence of marijuana. People would not be allowed to
smoke marijuana in restaurants.

Leach said people would be able to purchase marijuana in state stores.
He said people would be allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants
with three flowering at one time. He said people would be allowed to
transfer - not sell - up to an ounce of marijuana.

"Pot may cause harm, but the harm is far less than that of alcohol,"
said Dr. David Nathan, a clinical associate professor at Robert Wood
Johnson Medical School.

Nathan called on legislators to legalize marijuana, regulate it and
tax it.

Leach said his bill does not specify the tax rate, which would be
determined at a later date. He said the proceeds would go toward the
state's general fund and legislators and the governor could decide
where to direct the funds.

Neill Franklin, executive director of Law Enforcement Against
Prohibition, also discussed benefits of marijuana legalization. He
said young people are currently recruited to sell marijuana and this
bill would move it into a regulated and controlled
marketplace.

"Our neighborhood gangs survive off the proceeds of marijuana," he
said.

Leach argued that his bill would not only make the streets of
Pennsylvania safer, but would also save the state millions of dollars
a year. He cited the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which
estimated 24,685 marijuana arrests were made in Pennsylvania in 2006
at a cost of $ 325.36 million to taxpayers.

In addition to bringing in tax revenue, marijuana legalization would
provide a legal treatment alternative for people who are suffering
from terminal illness, according to Leach. He said he has plans to
introduce the bill today. 
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