LEGAL POT COULD HELP BUDGET

The recent proposal by San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano to
re-legalize and tax cannabis the same as alcohol is a welcome sign of
a more rational drug policy for California.

The president's pick of Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske for drug
czar and the announcement by the newly appointed attorney general,
Eric Holder, to end the DEA's raids on California's medical marijuana
dispensaries signals a long overdue recognition of states rights.

Even the medical marijuana permits issued by doctors under duress are
a replay of the medical alcohol permits issued prior to the repeal of
alcohol prohibition in 1933.

Frenzied prison building, police corruption, Mexican gang violence,
damage to state and national forests from illegal grows and conversion
of private homes into growing grounds are all symptoms of a failed
drug policy.

Cannabis/hemp/marijuana is the most valuable plant on earth, providing
medicine, relaxation and a long list of industrial products.

The annual crop in California alone is worth an estimated $3 billion
to $4 billion.

Should bankrupt state and local governments take back control of this
lucrative market through regulation/taxation or leave it to the
criminals, terrorists and drug gangs?

James Wiley

San Anselmo