NO 'QUESTION' ABOUT IT

This weekend, thousands of demonstrators from Boston and beyond
converged at Boston Common to show their support for "Question 2," a
proposition on the Nov. 4 ballot that would effectively decriminalize
the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Massachusetts.

Decriminalization of marijuana would certainly free up millions of
dollars for a needy law enforcement system. But decriminalization
means more to the commonwealth than just freed-up funds and relaxed
laws regulating the drug; it means preventing thousands of talented
citizens from being from losing career opportunities because of
frivolous criminal records.

For nearly a century, the federal government has vilified and outlawed
marijuana, and only recently has the practice of anti-marijuana
propaganda and prohibition come under individual state scrutiny.

Recreational use of marijuana was brought to the United States by
Mexican immigrants in the early 1910s. Then, much like today, Mexican
immigration faced prejudice. Marijuana became associated with those
who brought it, and politicians acted to stop the encroaching what one
PBS documentary called the "marijuana menace."

Since that time, the drug has faced increasing pressure and political
condemnation, and is currently listed as a "Schedule I" - the most
severe - substance by federal law, along with such mind-bending
substances as LSD and heroin. This headstrong policy history has lead
to millions of marijuana-related arrests and billions of tax dollars
spent on enforcement.

Currently, a first-time offender of possession of the drug - in any
amount - faces up to six months incarceration and/or a $500 fine in
Massachusetts. This is more lenient than the federal law, which
stipulates up to a year behind bars and a $1000 fine, but laws still
provide for imprisonment to those who possess the plant. Moreover, the
commonwealth still has mandatory sentencing laws, all but guaranteeing
a trip to jail for otherwise law-abiding, peaceful citizens.

But what may prove most damaging to both the economy and culture of
Massachusetts is the long-term effects of the CORI system. The
Criminal Offender Record Information system is a streamlined way for
potential employers to check the criminal record of any citizen.

Though the system is intended to protect citizens from violent
offenders, most companies can access the CORI system for simple
background checks through a variety of loopholes and legal methods.
Despite growing criticism of the system, companies can -- and do --
check the record of applicants that were ever convicted of a marijuana
offense, no matter the amount of possession.

A simple "background check" may spell disaster for those who have used
marijuana. A small-time drug bust decades ago may mean big-time
problems for many talented state residents who are looking for honest
employment.

With Question 2, Massachusetts aims to become the 13th state to
decriminalize marijuana. Decriminalization would reduce the penalty
for small amounts of possession to those of minor traffic violations,
and would nearly do away with jail time -- and costly criminal records
- -- for most users. It's about time.

Recreational use of marijuana is a victimless crime. Those who choose
to get high from the indigenous plant are hurting no one but
themselves, if at all. According to the the British House of Commons
Science and Technology Committee, marijuana is not only considered
safer than the much-abused tobacco in terms of physical harm, but also
in terms of physical dependance. Users don't deflate into a pile on a
couch, and their dogs don't start talking to them, either.

With all the costs facing a continued battle against the drug,
decriminalization is a no-brainer for the commonwealth. Freeing up
funds for other more pressing law enforcement programs is reason
enough. Let's breathe the economic and cultural benefits of thousands
less "criminals" in the commonwealth as a hit of fresh air.