LEGALIZE POT TO STOP DRUG CARTELS

This letter is in response to the article posted on Aug. 27 in the
editorial section "Legalize marijuana to stop the drug cartels."

I believe the state should legalize it for the reasons stated by the
governor of New Mexico. I also believe that once it is legalized, it
should be taxed and regulated just like alcohol.

There exists no denial that the effects of marijuana are real.
However, I believe the effects are no worse than alcohol. In fact, I
believe if an actual true study was conducted over the true effects of
alcohol versus marijuana, I am sure a conclusion would be a lower
occurrence of marijuana fatalities.

Also as the editorial article pointed out, the war on drugs is not
working with regard to marijuana. It has not worked for some time. It
has, as the editorial pointed out, caused more death and violence. The
cartels will use whatever force necessary to achieve their goal. The
money that is not used to prevent importation of marijuana could be
used to fight against things such as human trafficking or securing the
borders.

I know that everyone has said that if you legalize marijuana, then the
people will want you to legalize stronger illegal drugs. There must
exist a way to legalize marijuana that will work for the good of society.

I believe criminalization of a substance that grows naturally is
wrong. If you take away the demand for marijuana, the cartels will
lose a substantial amount of profits.

I believe marijuana has been the victim of guilt by association. We
have seen how well prohibition worked on alcohol.

Continuing to impose restrictions on marijuana will not accomplish the
eradication of its use. Furthermore, it will also continue to create
wealth untold for those who operate the organizations importing it.

Tonya Heaton

Yuma