Pubdate: Thu, 12 Mar 2009
Source: Herald, The (AR Edu)
Copyright: 2009 ASU Herald
Contact:  http://www.asuherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2796
Author: Wendy Miller
Note: Wendy is a junior journalism major from Dermott.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

GRASS COULD BRING IN GOVERNMENTAL GREEN

The United States has been fighting a losing war on the consumption
and possession of marijuana for decades.

In the 1970s Nixon began the 'War on Drugs,' which imposed stricter
penalties and stronger regulations, but also defined drugs in
different levels or 'schedules' depending on the severity of each drug.

For example, in Arkansas, anyone in possession of less than an ounce
of marijuana will be charged with a misdemeanor, making marijuana the
only drug offense that will not bring a felony charge just for simply
possessing it.

Drug task forces, police departments and the DEA continue to work to
take marijuana off the streets, and yet many places have simply
limited their punishment for possession of this drug to a simple
citation and a court appearance without incarceration.

Marijuana has been considered a 'gateway drug,' meaning that it is
assumed that consumption of it will lead to 'harder' and more
dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and heroin.

The problem with this theory, in my opinion, is that 'weed' is not
guaranteed to lead to a lifetime of hard-core drug abuse. There are
many people who 'smoke weed' and do not do other drugs and never intend to.

With the same thinking, alcohol and cigarettes could be considered
'gateway' substances also, but they are currently legal.

If the idea is that kids smoke marijuana 'to fit in' or 'to be cool,'
isn't that the leading excuse for smoking cigarettes and drinking?
What's the difference?

Let's think for a moment about what would happen if marijuana was made
legal throughout the nation.

The prisons would definitely see more room for people who have
committed more serious crimes instead of simply getting caught smoking
or selling marijuana.

Also, just think of the tax revenue that the country could bring in by
legalizing this drug. Cigarette taxes are steadily being raised every
time smokers turn around, so why not add one more thing to the list
that the government can get money from, instead of pouring money into
enforcement agencies that fight possession and consumption.

According to an article by Illinois State University's The Daily
Vidette editorial board, California's pot market is estimated to be a
$14 billion industry. If those numbers are accurate, marijuana taxes
could provide the state with more than $1 billion in revenue annually.

If this is the case across the country, this could be the economic
break that we are in desperate need of.

The fact is, law enforcement agencies could work around the clock to
ensure that marijuana will not be grown in or enter the country and
make it to our streets, but chances are that they will never
accomplish their goal.

It's the simple concept of supply and demand. As long as there are
'potheads' out there who want to buy marijuana, there will be
'dealers' who will find a way to sell marijuana.

However, if the government took control of the substance and began to
market it, the arrest rate would drop, and the government would be
making money. It is a win-win situation.

Editor's note: The Herald does not condone the illegal sale, purchase
or use of unauthorized drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin