Pubdate: Fri, 15 Mar 2013
Source: State Journal-Register (IL)
Copyright: 2013 The State Journal-Register
Contact: http://service.sj-r.com/forms/letters.asp
Website: http://www.sj-r.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/425
Author: Jim Beall

WHY NOT LEGALIZE MARIJUANA?

In a time when the state is concerning itself with budget deficits, 
prison closings (and overcrowding) and proliferation of crime, I 
believe that Illinois legislators should turn a watchful eye to 
Oregon and Colorado.

Yes, those two states have decriminalized marijuana for recreational 
use. Although this might sound like the ranting of an extreme 
liberal, I am looking at the huge revenue/taxation opportunities.

Licensing and taxation revenue, coupled with less strain on the legal 
system seems like a win/win situation. It appears, with several 
states on the bandwagon already, that marijuana legalization (in some 
form) is a foregone conclusion.

Why don't legislators see the writing on the wall? In an era when 
past (and present) U.S. presidents have admitted smoking pot, why 
can't Illinois see the financial as well as social benefits to deter 
the state's financial crisis?

Jim Beall

Springfield
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom