In a recent Op/Ed column, "Legal marijuana challenges culture," John Crisp described new challenges posed by legalizing recreational marijuana in Colorado and Washington. In his conclusion, Crisp wrote: "But the challenge for citizens in both states will be avoiding self-indulgence and achieving a level of moderation. . ."

He is dead wrong. A year ago, any Colorado adult or school kid could get marijuana within two days, provided he or she had $500. Getting dope was, and is, just slightly more challenging than getting alcohol. This holds true for Denver, Minneapolis and Richmond. Legalization will not increase availability because marijuana has always been available. The war against it has accomplished nothing but making criminals out of those few unlucky enough to get caught - at a cost of billions of dollars.

[continues 159 words]