As much as I agree with the legalization of pot, aren't there more pressing things? Like, I dunno, $14,000,000,000,000 debt and whatnot?
Allowing states to enforce and tax the sale, cultivation, possession and use makes sense and cents.
Law enforcement including police, Prosecutors, Public Defenders, Probation and the courts will all save money and/or be able to better use limited funds if Marijuana (MJ) is removed from Schedule I, and treated the same as alcohol or tobacco - two much more dangerous drugs.
States can continue the prohibition of MJ or regulate it as they see fit. Keep in mind that MJ is a multi-billion dollar black market generally run for profit by organized crime.
Ask any cop if he'd rather arrest someone drunk or high on MJ?
Our roads are filled with drivers impaired, most officers and all traffic officers are trained in determinating impairment by the use of Field Sobriety Tests. MJ can be detected with a simple urine test which takes less than a minute. Officer testimony and a urine test (along with the new video's taken from our officer's car) should be sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
MJ is no more of a geteway drug than is milk. Kids are introduced to MJ by other kids, who also introduce tobacco and alcohol to their peers. Taking MJ out of the black market will reduce the contact between the criminal element which today controls that market. An underground market will still exist, but will mitigate kids contact with the career criminal.
The war on drugs is a total failure. The more people realize the harm and cost of this failed policy the sooner the powers that be will stop demagoguing the issue and try new means of regulation and control.
