REASONS TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

Seems to me that there is an easy answer to the marijuana issue. There
are apparently hazards and costs to legalizing it and making it a
"normal" part of society. There are also problems in making usage a
criminal offense.

Perhaps there is a middle ground. Perhaps it could be decriminalized
federally, but usage and possession could become a violation. The
monetary penalty could be a particularly onerous amount, so it would
always sting when someone is busted. A less harmful penalty is more
enforceable, the money is an incentive for enforcement, and consistent
enforcement, with a painful but short-lived penalty, is a more
effective deterrent. A "sin tax" by penalty, if you will, rather than
commerce.

Geoffrey Cahoon

Seattle