REGULATE MARIJUANA LIKE ALCOHOL

Damon Stoudamire's arrest and subsequent indictment on drug charges is the
perfect example of misspent police time and resources, the perfect context
in which to discuss the failed "War on Drugs." Your editorial (Aug. 5)
explains in detail this painful dichotomy, of real and imagined criminals.

Our drug laws need reform. Like alcohol, marijuana is just another
mood-enhancing substance that should be regulated accordingly, generating
legal tender as much-needed revenue and freeing up precious prison space
for the true offenders (murderers and rapists) who roam free among us.

It may be illegal, but it is not immoral. If Stoudamire likes to imbibe in
post-game cannabis in the privacy of his home, that is his business.
Reasonable people know it is the equivalent of sipping on a cocktail to
relax after work. Many more do not understand why it continues to be vilified.

Pauline Dugas Tait, Northeast Portland