Pubdate: Sun, 02 Jun 2013
Source: Lawrence Journal-World (KS)
Copyright: 2013 The Lawrence Journal-World
Contact:  http://www.ljworld.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1075
Author: John Hooge

MARIJUANA LAWS

To the editor:

The most compelling points in your four-part story on the recent 
marijuana sweep were: (1) the sweep's huge cost, (2) the minimal 
effect it had on the supply, and (3) what was not discussed. One 
question is what will be the cost to prosecute and imprison these 
people. I have read it costs between $24,000 to $50,000 a year to 
imprison someone. What part do our marijuana laws play in our country 
imprisoning a larger percentage of people than any other country? Are 
the effects of marijuana so terrible that we should waste money like 
this? And how will the confiscated property and cash be used?

This story is a primer for how stupid the war on marijuana is. A 
plant that grows wild, is now legal in Colorado, will generate taxes 
there and is a valid medicine for serious illnesses. Years ago, my 
now-deceased brother's doctor told him marijuana was the only thing 
that would allow him to endure his horrific attack of shingles caused 
by cancer treatments.

I was in the Topeka federal building in 1993 when Gary McKnight 
entered the building setting off bombs and shooting people, including 
killing a security officer. McKnight had been convicted of conspiracy 
to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a 
pistol. He faced a sentence of 10 to 40 years and went there 
intending to kill the prosecutor. None of that made any sense.

Politicians would not be "soft on crime" but sensible if they 
followed Colorado's example.

John Hooge, Lawrence
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom