POT LAWS UNJUST, IGNORE FACTS

Many politicians cite a constant increase in marijuana-related arrests as
proof they are winning the war on drugs, but I think this just proves the
war is flawed.

Marijuana is unfairly targeted as the devil of the drug problem in America.
One would think the priority given to a drug would be determined by its ill
effects, but there has never been a documented case of marijuana overdose,
despite more than 5,000 years of known use. In comparison, anywhere from
3,800 to 5,200 people die from other illegal drug overdoes each year. Even
more surprising, 14,000 to 27,000 die from overdosing on legal drugs.

Many talk about the health effects of marijuana, but long-term tobacco use
is more dangerous. Worldwide, one person dies from tobacco use every eight
seconds, including 400,000 Americans annually. It is a double standard to
let the tobacco industry thrive on the death of its consumers. If tobacco is
legal, marijuana should be too, since even by conservative estimates, the
long-term effects of marijuana are no worse than those of tobacco.

Some critics are quick to cite a link between marijuana use and an increased
likelihood to drive dangerously or violent acts, such as rape and assault.
However, there is a much stronger link between crime and alcohol. In one
survey, more than one-fourth of all victims of violent crime reported their
assailants were under the influence. In another survey, four of 10 criminal
offenders reported alcohol as a factor in violence. As far as driving,
drinking causes far more fatalities than does smoking. Alcohol is involved
in nearly 50 percent of all driving fatalities, which averages to one
alcohol-related traffic death every 30 minutes.

I won't deny irresponsible marijuana use can be dangerous. But, then again,
anything can be dangerous. Cars can, guns can, even box cutters can. It's
unreasonable to outlaw anything that can be potentially harmful.

Marijuana is labeled a gateway drug, but I think this is ridiculous. The
reasoning used to classify marijuana as a gateway drug doesn't hold up.
Alcohol and tobacco are more likely to be tried before marijuana. And while
there may be a correlation between marijuana and other drugs, correlation
does not equal causality. As an example, there is a direct correlation
between ice cream consumption and the number of drowning victims in an area.
Does ice cream make people drown? No. It just happens as temperatures rise,
people are more likely to do things such as swim or eat cool, delicious
treats.

Marijuana is criminalized for two reasons. First, there is no established
marijuana industry or political lobby. The tobacco industry spends more than
$100,000 a day pushing their political interests. Similarly, the alcohol
industry spends more than $15 million annually. This is why tobacco and
alcohol - responsible for more deaths and crime than pot - are still legal.

The second reason why marijuana is illegal is so politicians and law
enforcement officials can pat themselves on the back for their war on drugs.
Marijuana is less harmful than many legal and illegal drugs, yet it makes up
a majority of drug arrests. Seventy-five percent of all drug-related charges
are related to marijuana - a figure doubled since 1990 - while those of
cocaine and heroin have fallen by more than 50 percent. Of those arrested on
marijuana charges, 88.6 percent were for possession only, meaning only 11.4
percent were for sale or manufacturing. It's foolish to expect to eradicate
marijuana when the police target the users instead of the sources.

If marijuana was legal, many of its problems would solve themselves. It
would no longer be profitable for dealers to traffic pot, which would help
prevent casual users from being exposed to more dangerous drugs. Also, the
government could regulate its sale. This could generate millions in tax
dollars, as well as help ensure the safety of recreational users.

By forcing marijuana into a black market, the government has encouraged and
perpetuated its underground sale, exposing the user to unnecessary legal and
health risks. Decriminalizing marijuana would save valuable judicial
resources, as well as allow law enforcement to target more dangerous drugs.