Pubdate: Fri, 05 Apr 2013
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV)
Copyright: 2013 Las Vegas Review-Journal
Website: http://www.lvrj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/233
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n134/a05.html
Author: David Ramey

LEGALIZE POT

To the editor:

In response to Michael O. Kreps' March 23 letter, "War on drugs does
nothing but harm":

I couldn't agree more. After countless studies of the effects of
marijuana, starting with President Nixon's commission, not one has
reported any major harm caused by the use of this natural plant -
unlike the gateway drugs tobacco and alcohol, I might point out. There
have been many books written, "Marijuana Myth, Marijuana Fact" for
one, by renowned physicians dispelling these myths created by critics.

Mr. Kreps is entirely correct in pointing out that our intolerant laws
have created the drug cartels. I would like to add to his statement by
pointing out that not only have our laws helped create them, but they
have made billionaires of them. They gladly take the money without
paying one red cent in taxes on it and instead buy weapons, killing
thousands of people who are infringing on their businesses while
fighting the law.

What's more, billions, if not trillions, of dollars are going out the
other end of this spectrum not only trying to stop them, but to pay
the cost of processing through our legal system those who are enjoying
the use of the plant, and then incarcerating them, sometimes for
years. Many innocent lives are ruined over this harmless pastime, and
all at taxpayers' expense. Talk about unnecessary costs sapping our
revenues while making criminals of out of our ordinary citizens.

Finally, we're coming to our senses with the passage of laws allowing
medical and recreational use of marijuana. Imagine, if you can, the
lives saved, the money saved and the revenue earned once the
regulations are put in place across this great nation. Let's not waste
more time and allow this intelligent, common-sense approach to spread
like prairie fire across the land and around the world. Guaranteed,
people will be more mellow, and perhaps a new peace will settle for
all.

David Ramey

Las Vegas
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt