LEGALIZING POT WOULD BENEFIT STATE IN MANY WAYS

Regarding your Aug. 25 editorial on gripes that marijuana offenders do
not have to identify themselves and there is no way to force payment
of fines:

As to the former, most possession charges are added to complaints
alleging commission of another crime or motor vehicle violation;
circumstances where the law does require people to identify themselves.

Furthermore, those who would remain silent or give a false name are
very rare, as the natural response when asked by a man with a gun your
name is to provide it.

In 2009, a bill proposed regulatory control over cannabis similar to
that imposed on alcoholic beverages. It leaves in place the crime of
operating a vehicle while impaired under the influence. It punishes
sales and delivery to minors. The tax and fee structure proposed would
generate revenue at least as great as legalized gaming, create at
least as many jobs, and would take a half billion-dollar bite out of
criminal enterprises.

It, or similar legislation, will be introduced next session.
Many, perhaps a majority of voters, hope the next Legislature passes
constitutional control of cannabis. However, I will not hold my breath.

Steven S. Epstein

Georgetown