Pubdate: Thu, 12 Sep 2013
Source: Capital Times, The  (WI)
Copyright: 2013 The Capital Times
Contact:  http://host.madison.com/ct/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/73
Author: Gary Storck

LEGALIZE MEDICINAL POT, HELP ECONOMY

Dear Editor: The Obama administration's announcement that it will no 
longer stand in the way of state marijuana laws is great news. Under 
the new guidance, federal authorities will respect state laws with 
"strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems."

Wisconsin citizens have long been far ahead of state politicians on 
medical cannabis and the failure to legalize medical pot has hurt the 
state economy and led to an exodus of citizens to the now 20 states 
and Washington, D.C, where medical marijuana is legal and the two 
states - Washington and Colorado - where adult use is also legal.

Legislation incorporating the kind of "strong and effective 
regulatory and enforcement system" the new federal guidance calls for 
is currently being drafted by Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, and Sen. 
Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, and should be available for introduction this fall.

Statewide polls and local advisory referendums have long established 
that an overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites from all across the 
political spectrum want state lawmakers to enact a medical cannabis law.

With former opponents like television personality Dr. Sanjay Gupta 
going so far as apologizing for past opposition and the new federal 
policy clearing the air, it's time for Wisconsin to act.

Taylor and Erpenbach's bill, which first and foremost expands health 
care options, is also a jobs bill that would create entire new 
industries across the state. If Gov. Walker truly wants to meet his 
promise of 250,000 jobs, hopefully he has been asking the right 
questions as he travels to states like Colorado and Washington where 
both medical use and adult use are legal.

Gary Storck, Madison
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom