Pubdate: Fri, 05 Apr 2013
Source: Ely Times (NV)
Copyright: 2013 The Ely Times
Contact:  http://www.elynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2325
Author: Lukas Eggen

LEAP LOOKS TO MAKE MARIJUANA LEGAL ACROSS U.S.

The legalization of marijuana is becoming a topic that is sweeping the
nation. Washington and Colorado recently legalized marijuana use and
several other states have or are looking into the issue as well. In
Nevada, a bill introduced by Democrat Joe Hogan would allow residents
21 and older to own up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational use
and up to six marijuana plants as well as taxing marijuana sales.

The group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) is hoping Nevada
joins Washington and Colorado in the legalization of marijuana, though
the group's reasons may surprise you.

LEAP

LEAP is comprised of former law enforcement officers, attorneys and
judges who all took part in the "war on drugs," which President
Richard Nixon began in the 70s. But LEAP argues that the war on drugs
not only hasn't been effective, it's actually helped fuel the illegal
drug trade in the United States.

"The war on drugs causes what it was designed to prevent," former
prosecutor James Gierach said. "It works in reverse and what seems
like a good idea is a bad idea. It keeps the price of drugs high, but
simple laws of economics tell us as we increase the price of drugs,
the more someone is willing to supply it so there's more drugs instead
of less of it."

Gierach said the war on drugs is actually doing more harm than good
because of some basic reasons. The first reason is because prohibition
ensures that large numbers of unregulated drugs will be available for
people The second reason is because Giearch said the drug cartels
themselves are in support of prohibition. Marijuana is the most widely
used drug in the world, Giearch said. And according to LEAP, by
choosing to ban all use of the drug, it drives up the demand for the
cartels.

"In 2011, a drug threat assessment was issued," Gierach said. "The DEA
said cartels are producing 25,100 tons of marijuana a year. Sixty
percent of the money that goes to cartels in Mexico is from marijuana."

But LEAP's reasoning for supporting the regulation and taxation on
marijuana rather than its prohibition goes further. Whether it's gun
violence, gang violence and crimes, having to build more prisons, a
blanket prohibition on drugs makes those issues worse.

"You name the crisis, the war on drugs makes it worse," Gierach said.
"It corrupts the police, the kids, we fund terrorism and put guns in
the hands of kids=C2=85The law enforcement agencies are working for the
cartels and gangs to ensure they are the only outlets for these
substances."

Gierach said that by prohibiting the use of substances, it has led to
the creation of synthetic drugs, which can be dangerous to the user's
health.

"The substitutes are much more dangerous, resulting in death, disease
and paralysis," Gierach said.

LEAP also believes that freeing up money that is spent on by often
lengthy investigations into drug charges and cases could be used else
where to other types of cases.

Nevada

What action Nevada takes on legalizing marijuana remains to be seen.
In the past, people have been in favor of the war on drugs because of
different entities getting to keep part of the drug bust money. But it
also needs to be stopped, Gierach said.

"Al Capone was in favor of prohibition," Gierach said. "The cartels
are. The street gangs are. Prohibition is the foundation for the
business and helps it become the most valuable commodity on the face
of the earth."

LEAP is optimistic that the national consciousness about marijuana use
is changing and he hopes to see all states adopt regulation laws on
marijuana use=C2=85and sooner rather than later.

"The pendulum is swinging in regulation control land taxation of
drugs," Gierach said. "Nationally and locally on a state basis, we
can't pay the price tags that come with prohibition."

Marijuana has hit White Pine County with two grows found last year
with an estimated worth of more than $30 million. But whether AB 402
will make any movement this session remains to be seen. Opponents to
legalizing marijuana say that it can lead to addiction and that it
could send the wrong message to children that it's OK to do drugs.

State Senator Pete Goicoeceha is one who opposes legalizing marijuana
and said that he will not be supporting AB 402.

"I'm very concerned about it, especially the tax they're imposing,"
Goicoechea said. "It will allow you to have one ounce in your
possession and it will be decriminalized. It opens it wide open for
more illegal narcotics. You've got to pay a thousand dollar a gram tax
on it, we'll start seeing black market marijuana. It'll throw the
gates open. I will oppose the bill. I think it's a gateway drug. I
know it's for people 21 and older, but it's illegal for kids to smoke
and they find their way. It's just a matter of time."

Goicoechea also expressed concerns passing a bill that goes against
current federal laws.

It's clear the debate surrounding legalizing marijuana is far from
finished. Whether Nevada joins Washington and Colorado is an issue
that is likely to see strong opinions on both sides.
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