Pubdate: Sat, 12 Jul 2014
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2014 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: Jim Crawford

LEGALIZE BUT DON'T PROMOTE A DRUG

Some of us voted for the legalization of marijuana, but not because 
we think it's harmless. Rather, it is because our national policy 
described as the "war on drugs" has failed miserably.

Pot is not good for you. Neither is alcohol or tobacco. Legalizing 
marijuana shouldn't be misconstrued into thinking it should be 
promoted. It is a realization that leaving it in the hands of 
criminals who make inordinate amounts of money on its sale is 
creating a larger societal problem that costs all of us taxpayers.

Look at what we pay for prisons compared with other nations. Perhaps 
taking it out of those criminal hands can begin to help deal with the 
social, medical, and mental issues wrapped up in the drug "problem." 
Tax it if you must - but use the funds to support drug and alcohol 
treatment programs. And don't promote it. No advertising. Ever. Then 
perhaps we can begin to have a dialogue on the drug topic that makes 
sense - rather than see it turned into a scare tactic designed to 
sway voters in tight political races.

Jim Crawford

Washougal
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