OPERATION ENDURING WEED-DOM

This week marks the beginning of Cannabis Liberation Week worldwide, an
event that demands an end to the failed public policy of marijuana prohibition.

Currently, the distorted market forces of the government-created black
market for marijuana have pushed its value beyond that of gold. Rather than
continue to subsidize this criminal enterprise, let's acknowledge the
social reality of marijuana and set up a safe, regulated, and
age-controlled market.

Taxing and regulating marijuana would also separate the consumers of this
relatively harmless substance from those of hard drugs like heroin and
methamphetamine.

The minor health risks associated with marijuana are inconsequential when
compared to the long-term effects of a criminal record. Montana law states
that you can go to prison for years for possession, and the rest of your
life for growing.

Montana NORML hopes you and your friends will join us in a march for
Cannabis Liberation, starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at Jacob's Island.

John Masterson
Montana NORML
Missoula