Pubdate: Fri, 16 May 2014
Source: Daily Record, The (Parsippany, NJ)
Copyright: 2014 The Daily Record
Contact:  http://www.dailyrecord.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/112
Author: Paul Armentano

DEMONIZING MARIJUANA DOESN'T SERVE PUBLIC

State Assemblywoman Betty Lou DeCroce claims that legalizing and
regulating marijuana would result in introducing "another illicit
drug" to society ("Just say no to legalizing marijuana," May 15). Hardly.

Despite decades of prohibition, marijuana is immersed in our society.
According to state-specific data compiled by the federal government,
nearly one out of ten New Jersey residents acknowledge having consumed
pot within the past year. It is time we reflect this reality by
regulating the substance accordingly.

Criminalizing the plant and those who consume it has failed to limit
the public's use of the substance or their access to it. But it has
resulted in tens of thousands of criminal arrests. In 2010, nearly
22,000 New Jersey citizens were arrested for minor marijuana
possession offenses - a total that was among the highest of any state
in the nation. This ongoing prohibition financially burdens taxpayers,
encroaches upon civil liberties, engenders disrespect for the law, and
disproportionately impacts communities of color.

It is time to stop ceding control of the marijuana market to untaxed
criminal enterprises. A pragmatic regulatory framework that allows for
limited, licensed production and sale of marijuana to adults - but
restricts use among young people - best reduces the risks associated
with its use or abuse.

Criminalizing marijuana is a disproportionate response to what, at
worst, is a health issue, not a criminal justice issue.

Paul Armentano

Deputy Director

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Matt