Pubdate: Sun, 14 Jul 2013
Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO)
Copyright: 2013 The Gazette
Contact: http://www.gazette.com/sections/opinion/submitletter/
Website: http://www.gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165
Author: Don Heinz

REGULATE MARIJUANA LIKE ALCOHOL

When Coloradans passed Amendment 64, they voted for The Regulate
Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2012.

So what is the dilemma on taxation and regulation? Tax it like
alcohol. Why waste more taxpayer dollars on an unneeded ballot
initiative? Taxes that are viewed as too high will encourage
underground enterprises.

Regulate it like alcohol.

Cultivate it under similar rules that govern Colorado-based
microbreweries/distilleries . like alcohol. And, if localities decide
to ban retail marijuana establishments, that ban should also apply to
all establishments that hold liquor licenses. They, too, must be
banned. Equal prohibition.

After all, what part of like alcohol is not understood?

A ban supports the perpetuation of a black market. Tax dollars that
would have been collected by local governments will go to either those
establishments in open-minded communities or to the black market cartels.

Don Heinz, Widefield
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MAP posted-by: Matt