LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA IS NO LONGER A FRINGE ISSUE

The elections have shown a (predictably) divided nation when it comes
to regulating/ending the illogical and costly prohibition of marijuana.

Although the nonbinding Question 5 did not make it onto my precinct's
ballot, I could not be more proud of my town for voting 62 percent to
38 percent in favor of the regulation and taxing of marijuana.

On the other side of the nation, though, Oregonians shot down
Proposition 74, choosing not to regulate medical marijuana in a
disappointing outcome. And in what was probably the most closely
watched question on any ballot, California shot down Proposition 19,
postponing the complete legalization of marijuana, for now at least.

Although these two propositions both lost due to a severe lack of
voter turnout, regardless of vocal support, they represent a new era
in this country when the discussion of legalization is no longer
viewed as a fringe argument.

Ben Panish

East Falmouth