LEGALIZING MARIJUANA CAN HELP STATE COFFERS

It seems just a few years back that Indiana was wondering what to do with a
multibillion-dollar surplus. Now Gov. Frank O'Bannon is on television
crying about the state's checkbook.

Suggestions to increase taxes on a declining cigarette market, increase the
sales tax to 6 percent, or another penalty for the homeowner are all
Band-Aid approaches destined to return us to the same predicament in just a
few years.

I propose we consider decriminalizing hemp/cannabis/marijuana. This would
accomplish:

. Return incarcerated non-violent citizens to society so they may care for
their families, work and pay taxes. This alone would save millions the
first year.

. Open new opportunity for Hoosier farmers. The latest figures show that an
average acre now cashes out to $135. Hemp crops around the world show $420
per acre with less use of herbicides and pesticides; that means fewer
subsidies.

. No more wasted tax dollars used to eradicate this beneficial plant.

Many states around the country are reconsidering their laws. Nevada passed
a decriminalization bill in its last session. Kentucky has just set up a
commission to grow and study hemp. North Dakota recently passed a bill
allowing farmers to grow hemp under .03 percent THC (intoxicating agent of
cannabis).

Dana York

Director, Indiana NORML

Indianapolis