Pubdate: Wed, 27 Aug 2014
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2014 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact:  http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Fred Roberts
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n697/a07.html

LEGAL MARIJUANA IS TAXABLE SUBSTANCE

Regarding "Analyze cost, benefits of legal pot" (Atlanta Forward, 
Aug. 21), J. Tom Morgan makes a cogent case for the decriminalization 
of marijuana, citing the racist scare tactics of the Depression-era 
director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and the specious argument 
that it is a gateway to harder drugs.

Let's also consider these points: Legal marijuana can be taxed; its 
potency can be standardized; criminal enterprises will no longer 
profit from trafficking in it, and useful medical research into its 
therapeutic use can begin. And decriminalization will ease the 
current enormous strain on our courts and prisons. With the taxpayer 
money saved, maybe then we can turn our attention to the shortcomings 
of our infrastructure and educational systems.

FRED ROBERTS, DECATUR
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom