LEGALIZED CANNABIS COULD EASE STATE DEBT

In response to Mr. Williams' letter regarding history and our nation's
debt, I would like to add that the "Noble Experiment" occurred from
1920-1933 and its repeal aided in overcoming the Great Depression.
Similarly our current economic hardship could be partially alleviated
if we were to end another failed prohibition and legalize cannabis
consumption for adults.

Even though voters in California rejected an initiative to end
cannabis prohibition, the economic problems facing California and
Illinois are not that different and will likely continue. Both states
have a large deficit and a booming prison population, mostly
nonviolent drug offenders, which is increasing the burden on the taxpayers.

If cannabis were legal, it would be regulated and taxed, bringing in
money for both states. Plus, if we legalized cannabis police officers
could go after more serious offenders and minors would be prevented
from purchasing cannabis. Retailers would have an incentive to make
sure they weren't selling to underage patrons, just like we do with
tobacco and alcohol.

Our current prohibition deems anyone selling cannabis a criminal and
therefore there is no need to care whom one sells to or how old he or
she is. All in all, history reveals that outlawing a substance that is
dangerous and people want to consume does not work. Furthermore it is
hard to find someone who supports a return to alcohol prohibition, yet
the public is willing to maintain the status quo of cannabis
prohibition despite presidents, Olympians and other successful
Americans admitting to using it.

Nevertheless when faced with a potential income tax on all residents,
an option like taxing and regulating cannabis consumers should be very
attractive to those taxpayers who do not consume cannabis. End the
hypocrisy, tax and regulate the adult cannabis market for our state
budgets and to protect the kids.

Dan Linn

Executive director

Illinois NORML

Chicago