Pubdate: Tue, 23 Oct 2012
Source: Yakima Herald-Republic (WA)
Copyright: 2012 Yakima Herald-Republic
Contact:  http://www.yakima-herald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/511

ENDORSEMENTS: LEGALIZE POT? WE DON'T NEED TO GO THERE

In many ways, the ballot measure that seeks to legalize the 
production, possession, delivery and distribution of marijuana walks 
a middle ground in the terrain of controlled-substance use and abuse. 
Voter approval of Initiative 502 would put Washington state in the 
forefront of efforts to revamp society's approach to drug laws.

The question is whether, middle ground or no, we should be stepping 
onto this turf to begin with. We believe not. The Yakima 
Herald-Republic editorial board urges a "no" vote on Initiative 502.

Initiative 502, if approved by Washington state voters, would 
regulate and tax the sale of small amounts of marijuana to those age 
21 and older, under the auspices of the Washington State Liquor 
Control Board. The measure also sets a standard for driving under the 
influence; motorists could have no more than five nanograms of THC 
per milliliter of blood in their systems. THC is an active ingredient 
of marijuana.

Proponents say taxing the drug would give the state a much-needed 
monetary infusion, and the money would be dedicated to public-health 
programs. They argue law-enforcement resources could be better used 
to fight more serious crimes, and that marijuana use remains high 
despite it being illegal.

The measure does find support from those in the criminal-justice 
system, including King County Sheriff Steve Strachan and former U.S. 
Attorney John McKay. Proponents say this measure simply recognizes 
and regulates activity that is going on now, and the activity will 
continue regardless of the initiative's outcome.

As with so many issues in these polarized times, those walking in the 
middle have heard it from both sides.

The public safety side, including Yakima County Sheriff Ken Irwin and 
the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, opposes the 
measure for fear of increased drug use, compromised traffic safety 
and involvement by organized crime. Gov. Chris Gregoire is against 
it, as are gubernatorial candidates Rob McKenna and Jay Inslee, with 
all noting that marijuana-related activities would remain a federal crime.

There is also spirited opposition from the left, especially in the 
Seattle area, with critics taking issue with what they see as an 
arbitrary standard for driving under the influence. The 
medical-marijuana industry, doing well under current state laws that 
allow its use, also opposes the measure. Critics from both sides 
believe that in tight budget times, legislators will be tempted to 
"sweep" dedicated public-health funds into the general fund, and 
recent history supports that view.

We stand on the public-safety side, and proponents don't offer a 
rejoinder about federal illegality except to say that if enough 
states take steps to legalize it, the federal government eventually 
will come around. That leap of faith attempts to cover too much of 
the middle ground for our tastes. We would also like to see the 
Legislature clarify provisions of Washington's hazy medical marijuana 
laws, approved by voter initiative in 1998, before we try to take any 
steps toward legalization.

We also have a hard time with the argument that by regulating and 
taxing pot, the drug cartels will lose their economic incentive and 
move on somewhere else. The crop is too lucrative for cartels to 
simply walk away from their large, untaxed illegal grows in Eastern 
Washington if marijuana is legalized.

There will be enforcement costs associated with the measure, as well 
as to police use by people under 21 and those who may toke and drive. 
We are also swayed by arguments that making an intoxicating substance 
more available increases the prospects for drug abuse and its 
resulting health and law-enforcement problems.

Initiative 502 simply takes us a bit too far; the safest ground lies 
with a "no" vote.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Sharon J. 
Prill, Bob Crider, Frank Purdy and Karen Troianello.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom