Pubdate: Wed, 26 Feb 2014
Source: Providence Journal, The (RI)
Copyright: 2014 The Providence Journal Company
Contact:  http://www.projo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/352
Author: Steven Mulcahey

STOP PROHIBITING MARIJUANA

Let's face it: marijuana prohibition has failed. It has failed in 
Rhode Island and it has failed across the country. Historic 
majorities of Americans across the nation - including here in the 
Ocean state - support regulation instead of criminalization.

The newly introduced Marijuana Regulation, Control and Taxation Act 
is Rhode Island's opportunity to lead the way in the northeast, and 
we shouldn't let it pass us by. This bill would permit adults 21 and 
older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to two 
plants in a locked space. Additionally, it would establish a strictly 
regulated system of retail stores, cultivation centers and testing 
facilities, lifting marijuana out of the risky, unpredictable and 
criminal black market.

By doing this, Rhode Island will stop punishing adults for their own 
responsible behavior while giving 40 percent of revenues from 
marijuana sales to drug and alcohol treatment and education programs. 
It's a win-win proposition that will balance our need for liberty, 
safety and responsibility.

I hope other Rhode Islanders learn the truth about this bill and join 
me in supporting it.

Steven Mulcahey

Warwick
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom