POT USE DID NOT GO UP IN MAINE

Up here in Maine, cannabis has been decriminalized since 1977, the
entire lifetime of every high school and nearly every college student
here. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health,
Maine's usage rate is less than 8 percent, while down in
Massachusetts, you have a higher rate, as much as 12 percent. Your
criminal statutes have produced more cannabis use than Maines
decriminalization policy.

Let's hope that with decriminalization, Massachusetts will also
lower its usage rates. Cannabis is also much more expensive under
criminalization. In Maine, you can get an ounce of cannabis for less
than $200. The $300 difference in Massachusetts (millions in total)
all goes to support criminals and violence. That money helps keep
crime rates high, and job security for overstaffed police departments.
Last time I checked, student college loans are not available to those
who have any drug conviction. Those convicted of assault, rape,
murder, etc. are welcome to Pell Grants. Congratulations to Steve
Epstein and the people of Massachusetts for being smarter than
self-serving politicians and bureaucrats. This was a rare chance to
see democracy actually working.

Dave Wilkinson

Harpswell, Maine