Pubdate: Fri, 26 Oct 2012
Source: Bellevue Reporter (WA)
Copyright: 2012 Sound Publishing
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/WYnaXyQ9
Website: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5015

TIME TO LEGALIZE, TAX MARIJUANA

We've waged a war on drugs for decades. Sometimes the battle is worth
it. That's not the case with marijuana. Voters should vote "yes" on
Initiative 502 and license and regulate it instead.

The illegality of marijuana doesn't mean it's not available. Far from
it. It is grown extensively and is readily available to those who want
it. But, because it's "illegal," we waste millions of law-enforcement
dollars trying to eradicate it, money that would be better spent
stopping violent crime. It also means marijuana use is uncontrolled -
and untaxed - by government.

Some worry that marijuana is a gateway drug, leading people to harder
- - and more destructive - substances. That hasn't been proven to be
true, much like that first beer a person has doesn't mean he or she
will turn into an alcoholic.

The public can buy liquor and tobacco products in their neighborhood
grocery store. Government isn't about to stop that - it makes too much
money by taxing them. Marijuana should be treated - and taxed - the
same.

Vote "yes" on I-502.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt