Pubdate: Fri, 18 Nov 2011 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Copyright: 2011 Harry Petersen Contact: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409 Author: Harry Petersen TRANSFORM LIQUOR STORES INTO MARIJUANA STORES The state of Washington will be out of the liquor business by June 1, 2012, and now has a fortuitous opportunity. Consider this: Law enforcement is devoting enormous amounts of effort, manpower and funds in a largely ineffective effort to stop marijuana use. So-called medical marijuana usage has soared, public opinion is shifting toward legalizing marijuana, crime syndicates reap large profits from marijuana sales and now former U.S. Attorney John McKay has spoken strongly in favor of legalization. ["He fought pot, now leads effort to make it legal here," page one, Nov. 17.] The day after the liquor stores close they could reopen as marijuana stores. Nine-hundred jobs would be saved and the state would have a new generous source of income, police efforts could be redirected to better serve the public, marijuana use would be controlled and crime profits would drop. Of course, this would require quick, innovative and decisive action by a state Legislature not known for quick, innovative and decisive action. - - Harry Petersen, Bellevue - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom