MARIJUANA PROHIBITION IS A WASTE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESOURCES

Re: Michael Hiltzik's column "Is pot the biggest cash crop? Only if
you're on drugs," April 20:

Nailing down the value of a black-market commodity like marijuana is
something of a Zen sport. We do know that billions of dollars are
spent every year in this country enforcing unenforceable marijuana
laws. We also know that a significant amount of new revenue would be
generated through strict regulation. Taken together, that's a
financial impact the state simply can't afford to ignore in these
desperate times.

However, fiscal arguments are only part of the rationale for ending
the failed ban on marijuana. Others include reducing its availability
to young people, reducing crime, violence and corruption by taking
the profits away from criminal syndicates and ending the
disproportionate enforcement of marijuana laws among people of color.

It's time to end the charade of marijuana prohibition. Tax and
regulate this massive underground market, and redirect criminal
justice resources to matters of real public safety.

Stephen Gutwillig,

State Director

Drug Policy Alliance,

Los Angeles