TIME TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA IS NOW

A surefire solution exists to end confusion surrounding marijuana laws
- -- legalization.

The most sensible course of action is to legalize, regulate and tax
marijuana.

Such a decision could end the confusion of medical marijuana users and
municipal officials alike.

Issaquah upheld a six-month moratorium on medical marijuana collective
gardens July 18, because state and federal law do not jibe on
marijuana, medical or otherwise. City Council members kept a month-old
moratorium in place while they crafted a possible solution.

Although the decision is not ideal, the temporary ban is a prudent
response to a confusing situation. We call on the city to work quickly
and compassionately to create regulations to allow medical marijuana
users access to a drug allowed under voter-approved state law.

Meanwhile, King County is not bothering to regulate medical-marijuana
operations in rural and unincorporated communities.

That means Issaquah medical marijuana patients authorized to grow pot
can skirt the city ban and plant a garden in Klahanie, Preston or
elsewhere outside city limits. But by bringing medical marijuana back
to Issaquah, patients could face a hazy -- and absurd -- change in
rules.

The argument for legalizing marijuana is not new, but some reasons
merit repeating.

Prohibition is a failed policy. Marijuana is readily available.
Licensing and regulation could improve safety, generate much-needed
revenue and, most importantly, free up police for more important tasks.

Contrary to anti-marijuana propaganda, pot is not a gateway drug.
Marijuana -- like other legal and illegal drugs -- has ruined lives,
but the law cannot prevent such tragedies.

Legalization could help addicted marijuana users seek treatment, free
from the fear of prosecution. No such stigma exists for people
addicted to alcohol and prescription medication -- legal substances
under the law.

For most recreational marijuana users, smoking pot is nothing more
than a harmless pastime. For medical marijuana users, smoking pot is a
critical pain reliever and appetite booster.

Unfortunately, incremental steps to legalize marijuana only create
more confusion. Citizens and cities must navigate a patchwork of
confusing and contradictory laws.

The most commonsense -- and compassionate -- solution is to legalize
marijuana.