Pubdate: Wed, 22 Jan 2014
Source: Daily Reveille (Louisiana State U, LA Edu)
Copyright: 2014 Daily Reveille
Contact: http://www.lsureveille.com/submit_a_letter
Website: http://www.lsureveille.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2879
Author: Justin Stafford

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION INEVITABLE, NEXT STEP

One room in the state Capitol was buzzing Tuesday and could've led to 
an old-fashioned stoning, and maybe it did for some. The Louisiana 
House Criminal Justice Committee held a public meeting to discuss a 
study requested by state Rep. Dalton Honore regarding the feasibility 
and effectiveness of legalizing marijuana possession and use. Pardon 
the pun, but with a large public turnout, tensions were high.

Medical professionals, law enforcement officers and Louisiana 
residents from college-aged to much older filled up the seats. The 
public was able to give prepared testimonials; most of those cases 
were in support of legalization.

The request covered a range of factors like the health, safety and 
welfare of the citizens and the impact legalization would have on 
drug-free workplace policies.

"I don't want to see Louisiana last. Put it [legalization] to the 
people to vote" Honore said, which was followed by applause all over the room.

With the clapping and random shouts of opposition, state Rep. Joseph 
Lopinto urged those seated to "keep disturbances down." However, 
those in support continued with momentary celebrations or verbal 
accusations to their opposition as the meeting progressed, much like 
a high school graduation ceremony.

It seemed no one could keep from championing their chosen side, and 
to join them, I'd like to add my thoughts.

Marijuana should be legal. Much like alcohol and cigarettes, there 
are some detrimental effects, and if we could return to the 
Prohibition that would work for me.

However, that's not possible. The next best thing is for us to 
legalize a drug that's less dangerous in some ways than those already 
available.

The medical field has found medicinal use of marijuana to treat and 
lighten symptoms of more than 100 ailments. A law was passed in 1991 
that allowed Louisiana pharmacists to prescribe medical marijuana, 
but the problem is that the prescription can't be filled.

If more addictive and abuse-prone drugs like Adderall, according to 
the Drug Enforcement Administration's classification system, can be 
prescribed and filled, why shouldn't marijuana, ranked on the lowest 
level, be legal? It seems that outlandish fears of soaring crime 
rates and delinquency are still the logic behind it. However, 
evidence involving the correlation of crime and sole marijuana use is 
significantly lacking solidity.

The rate of incarcerations due to marijuana possession in Louisiana 
seems to be pretty solid and growing. In this state, it is quite 
possible for someone to receive a life sentence because of repeated 
arrests for marijuana possession. These cells should be used for 
those who commit violent acts, not some good people that like to 
unwind after work.

Some people prefer to grab a beer in the evening and watch sports, 
why can't this be the same with marijuana? White collars, blue 
collars and even the all-natural "no collars" know at least one 
person who has been in possession of marijuana.

It's clear the practice is widespread on many platforms of American society.

Stephen Simpson, a pro-legalization attendee, said that there would 
be an increase in marijuana users at first if it was legalized, but 
the numbers will go down in time.

"If nudity becomes legal, then everybody will get naked and run in 
the streets," Simpson said. "Pretty soon though, not so many people 
will be naked once the newness of it wears off."

It seems marijuana legalization has a good shot in Louisiana. 
Washington and Colorado, both states with legal marijuana, are 
attending the Super Bowl. Perhaps if Louisiana jumps on board, the 
Saints might have a chance in the future. If anything, I hear 
Popeye's chicken helps with the munchies.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom