Pubdate: Tue, 11 Nov 2014
Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)
Copyright: 2014 Albuquerque Journal
Contact:  http://www.abqjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10
Author: Jerry Ross
Page: A7

POT DECRIMINALIZATION WILL COST US DEARLY

I WOULD LIKE to offer my opinion about marijuana decriminalization.

Here in the state of New Mexico, we have some of the weakest 
marijuana laws of all states. Now obviously this would not include 
states that have already legalized marijuana - Washington and 
Colorado. You will hear the argument that too many people are in 
prison for non-violent - drug - crimes. Yet if we are specifically 
talking about marijuana ... this is not true.

As you research our state laws regarding marijuana, you will find 
that you need to have over 100 pounds to get any significant time - 
over one year in prison. Having said that, we are wasting much time 
and taxpayer dollars to essentially lower a $50 fine to a $25 fine. 
This is basically what decriminalization will do

Although for the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws 
and other similar organizations, this is the first step for 
legalizing marijuana. I think decriminalization or legalizing is a 
bad choice for state government because of the many repercussions - 
accidents, crime, drop-out rates, work-related problems, anxiety, 
etc. With marijuana being more accessible, all of these 
aforementioned problems and many more will increase.

Washington and Colorado are now enjoying an extreme profit from the 
sale of marijuana - glorified drug dealers. If you are able to think 
outside the box, you will see major costs down the road.

In closing, I pray that New Mexico citizens will make the correct choice.

JERRY ROSS Albuquerque
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