Pubdate: Wed, 27 May 2009
Source: Christian Science Monitor (US)
Copyright: 2009 The Christian Science Publishing Society
Contact: http://www.csmonitor.com/cgi-bin/encryptmail.pl?ID=CFF0C5E4
Website: http://www.csmonitor.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/83
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n555/a03.html
Author: Geoffrey Cahoon

REASONS TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

Seems to me that there is an easy answer to the marijuana issue. There
are apparently hazards and costs to legalizing it and making it a
"normal" part of society. There are also problems in making usage a
criminal offense.

Perhaps there is a middle ground. Perhaps it could be decriminalized
federally, but usage and possession could become a violation. The
monetary penalty could be a particularly onerous amount, so it would
always sting when someone is busted. A less harmful penalty is more
enforceable, the money is an incentive for enforcement, and consistent
enforcement, with a painful but short-lived penalty, is a more
effective deterrent. A "sin tax" by penalty, if you will, rather than
commerce.

Geoffrey Cahoon

Seattle
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