Pubdate: Tue, 30 Jun 2015
Source: Journal Standard, The (Freeport, IL)
Copyright: 2015 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.journalstandard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3182
Author: Kirk Muse
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n352/a02.html

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IS ANSWER TO CRIME PROBLEM

I'm writing about: "Debate swirls around weather to decriminalize 
marijuana in Illinois" (6-27-15).

While decriminalization is far superior to our current policies of 
marijuana criminalization, the answer to our crime problems caused by 
marijuana criminalization is full legalization.

Decriminalization of use is what we had with alcohol during Alcohol 
Prohibition (producers and suppliers were punished but not 
consumers). The only answer is full legalization.

Only fully legal products can be regulated by any government agency. 
Only fully legal products can be controlled by any government agency. 
And only fully legal products can be taxed by any government agency.

Decriminalization leaves the control and distribution of marijuana in 
the hands of criminal gangs. We need full legalization of marijuana 
like alcohol and tobacco.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom