U.S. COULD RAISE REVENUES BY LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

Just recently in Northampton, a young man was arrested for growing more
than $100,000 (street value) worth of marijuana in his own home. I do not
doubt that his intentions were for distribution purposes or that what he is
doing is highly illegal, but he is now facing a minimum sentence of 5 years
in prison. It disgusts me to imagine that he will be jailed with dangerous
criminals. I seriously doubt this man's intentions were to hurt anyone.

Marijuana is harmless compared to the dangerous and addicting drugs sold in
convenience stores or in your local deli. Drugs such as nicotine and
alcohol are far more dangerous and lethal than marijuana.

Marijuana has been proven to help cancer patients and is used medicinally
in California. The government spends millions of dollars each year trying
to fight the marijuana drug war. Imagine how those dollars could be used to
create a better educational system in the United States. Countries such as
Holland allow the consumption of marijuana.

The only reason why alcohol and cigarettes are still being sold is because
of the money that they bring in annually. If marijuana were legalized, the
proper authorities could easily monitor distribution and safety. The only
reason why marijuana is dangerous is because it can be laced with other
dangerous drugs such as "angel dust" and crystal methamphetamine.

If marijuana were taxed, it would strengthen the United States and many
other third world countries' economies. The U.S. could use every penny.

Jeff Mendelsohn, Hardwick