Pubdate: Thu, 03 Apr 2014
Source: Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ)
Copyright: 2014 Newark Morning Ledger Co
Contact:  http://www.nj.com/starledger/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/424
Author: Larry Penner
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n294/a06.html

LEGALIZE AND TAX MARIJUANA

"Prosecutors are right on pot" (editorial, April 1) makes sense. 
Consumption of marijuana for both medical and recreational use is 
part of mainstream America, transcending generations.

Consumers have voted with their dollars, making marijuana consumption 
a multibillion-dollar enterprise today. Legalize it and add a tax. 
Revenues will more than cover the costs of any abuse. Our tax dollars 
will be better used if police and judges spend more time prosecuting 
those who commit real crimes than going after those who consume or 
distribute marijuana.

Citizens have more to fear from murder, arson, rape, muggings, 
robberies, auto and identity theft or home break-ins than people who 
get high at home. Authorities should be free to pursue those who 
commit crimes against citizens and property.

What consenting adults consume, inhale, perform, read or view in the 
privacy of their own home or private social club isn't government's 
concern. Individual economic and civil liberties prosper best when 
government stays out of both the bedroom and marketplace. Let's hope 
we have finally learned from the failures of Prohibition.

Larry Penner, Great Neck, N.Y.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom