GOVERNMENT WOULD BE BETTER OFF LEGALIZING

I found the article, "Finance the Bailout: Legalize Marijuana," from
April 7, 2009, which suggested an interesting technique for the
government to earn revenue. I would agree with the idea that
taxing illegal drugs would be economically beneficial to
the erratic American economy.

Marijuana has been proven to be useful in the medical field and does
not have addictive components like harder drugs that can be quite
damaging and dangerous. However, cigarettes contain nicotine, which
is an addictive drug, and other contaminants within cigarettes
cause cancer and other serious medical issues. Alcohol is another
drug that is also more damaging to the body than marijuana, and is
responsible for increased blood pressure, liver damage, and
alcohol poisoning when consumed in copious amounts. Nonetheless,
alcohol, like marijuana, in small amounts can have medicinal
purposes, and is not harmful in moderation.

Also, by legalizing marijuana, eight billion dollars would be saved
each year from not implementing law enforcement that try to control
and maintain that drugs and trafficking are contained. I also think
that there would be more room in prisons and allow law enforcement
to focus on more serious crimes. Such a large number of people
convicted of possession of marijuana end up in prison, and are even
given stricter convictions than those who commit more heinous crimes
such as assault and even DUIs, both of which endanger others.

It would seem that the government would be better off legalizing the
drug and reaping the benefits that can be gained. Our economy
certainly needs a boost, and I can only assume that plenty of
American's would be in support of helping stimulate the government
as well as enjoying the harmless herb. This was an
interesting article and I would have to agree that the
government should come to terms with the benefits its long
time enemy marijuana has to offer.

Sarah Drought