Pubdate: Tue, 23 Dec 2014
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Elizabeth Colon
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n922/a04.html

THE TAXATION OF NEW POT SHOPS

Re "Mixed messages on pot shops," Editorial, Dec. 16

The Times correctly criticizes the city of Los Angeles for continuing 
to collect business taxes from new pot shops that are actually not 
allowed to be open under Measure D.

Kudos to City Council members Nury Martinez and Jose Huizar for their 
call to stop issuing tax certificates to such dispensaries. Indeed, 
the purported confusion about medical marijuana well reflects how pot 
is profitable for a few while costing society at large.

Drug addiction is a serious health issue, and having it be addressed 
as such is crucially needed. All drugs should be decriminalized and 
drug addiction treated like the health issue it is.

Furthermore, the decriminalization of drugs would effect a 
precipitous drop in violent crime globally.

Elizabeth Colon

Santa Barbara
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