Pubdate: Sat, 30 Dec 2006
Source: Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, AZ)
Copyright: 2006 Arizona Daily Star
Contact:  http://www.azstarnet.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/23
Author: Kirk Muse

JAILING MARIJUANA OFFENDERS IS A WASTE

Re: the Dec. 25 article "Tucson man gets 25 years on drug-trafficking
charges."

It looks like the taxpayers of Arizona are going to be paying for the
room and board and education on how to become a "real" criminal for
Mark Anthony Simmons. This will cost the taxpayers of Arizona at least
$500,000 (at $20,000 per year for 25 years).

Simmons provided a desired product to willing buyers. He harmed
nobody. Marijuana is a natural herb that has never been documented to
kill anybody in the 5,000-year history of its use.

It seems to me that our jail and prison space should be reserved for
those who harm others against their will, not marijuana
entrepreneurs.

Kirk Muse,

Mesa
- ---
MAP posted-by: Derek