To The Editor: The federal government could inject an estimated $75 billion to $200 billion into our economy without spending a dime: Legalize marijuana. Why legalize? Firstly, it is imperative to recognize that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco. There is less risk of addiction, cancer and zero overdose risk. We must also consider the societal costs. We spend $10 billion to 14 billion annually enforcing marijuana prohibition and force illicit markets to take to the streets (i.e. guns, cartels/organized crime, etc.). It costs money to prosecute drug offenders, incarcerate drug users and employ federal enforcement agents. Marijuana and hemp industries could affect our economy in an extremely positive manner. Some estimate that $50 billion is spent by the American public annually on marijuana alone. [continues 84 words]
