GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED REVISION OF MARIJUANA LAW COSTLY, UNNEEDED

I am writing regarding "Governor moves to change pot law" (Jan. 22).
How dare Gov. Frank Murkowski propose spending state money on
additional work force for this ridiculous notion. The Alaska public
defender's agency said it would need another $160,000 a year in state
funds to meet its increased workload under the bill.

Murkowski argues that marijuana is a lot stronger and more harmful
nowadays than in 1975. Sounds like a weak argument to me. Pot may be
stronger, but our state's budget deficit is larger. Of roughly 500
misdemeanor drug cases primarily involving marijuana that the state
handles each year, at least half would become felonies. Felonies
extend the court process, costing us more money and time, filling up
our excessively crowded jails with people who just wanted to smoke a
joint!

Alaska's criminal justice professionals recognize that alcohol is the
primary substance of abuse in Alaska and is the leading cause of
violence and accidental death, especially in rural areas.

On the other hand, in some parts of our state, the economy is directly
affected by the influx of money from illegally produced marijuana.
Proceeds from marijuana production are usually used for a multitude of
purchases including fuel, grow equipment and supplies, utilities,
vehicles and building materials. Now if we could only get the guy who
runs our state to recognize that!

Marissa Baker

Anchorage