TIME TO TALK ABOUT POT?

State Rep. Sherry Appleton is right, it's time to have a conversation
about pot. Not the conversation parents have with their kids about
illegal drugs, alcohol, sex, tobacco and other perils of adulthood.

The Poulsbo Democrat wants a public debate over ending a prohibition
on a plant, arguably no more harmful than Coors Light, which has its
own booming production industry and culture of ever more mainstream
books, music and film.

Marijuana can be addictive. It can impair drivers. It can have a
deleterious effect on the health of families. It can lead a person
down a path toward harder drugs. It has the potential, like alcohol,
tobacco and gambling, to ruin a person's life. It's also been used as
a political tool, its dangers have been comically exaggerated and
eradication measures have failed. Despite the many valid concerns of
those satisfied with the current laws, it's time for the U.S. to
consider legalizing the manufacture, distribution and use of marijuana
for recreational purposes. Legalization would create new social
challenges, and it's reasonable to imagine the disaster that could
follow.

But, so far, the ends have not justified the means. Marijuana
prohibition erodes the faith of young and old in their government, it
saps money and manpower, it damages the environment and jeopardizes
public safety with clandestine grows and has resulted in the arrest
and prosecution of otherwise law-abiding citizens. Compared to the
danger and damage done to society by alcohol, marijuana prohibition
makes us hypocrites.

Appleton may be right about legalizing marijuana so it can be
regulated and taxed, a bonanza and a safety measure impossible without
action from the federal government.With marijuana use common and
otherwise conscientious people earning criminal records for
possession, growing and dealing, it may be the only reasonable thing
to do.