2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsMarijuana prohibition has become a low priority
Jerry Garretson
Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: Opinion
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There was a small article in Time Magazine recently about two Rocky Mountain towns (Denver and Hailey, Idaho) that voted to make investigation, citation and arrest of criminals caught with marijuana the lowest priority of local law enforcement. Hailey voters even endorsed usage of the plant for medical use and industrial hemp production.
I'm half afraid to write about this - I know it'll probably cause more than a little eye-rolling. Even my first reaction to many pro-pot pieces is disdain. I'll be the first to admit you hardly ever find someone with enough time or drive to research the subject who can also report it with proper grammar and spelling. Their hearts are usually in the right place, they're just easily distracted. For some reason.
But I'm truly offended by anti-marijuana legislation. It's not that I'm a pothead or an ultra-liberal (though I doubt that dispels your suspicion), it's that I can't believe our government pours such a vast amount of money and resources into what is essentially weed killing. What's more, I say anti-marijuana laws cause needless suffering and are a severe detriment to our economy and the battle against other, more harmful, substances. Why aren't more Americans outraged by such irresponsible governing?
The War on Drugs (though inappropriately named) is a necessary one, and the $30-some billion annual price tag isn't too steep. Lives are saved, after all. But about $10 billion of that is diverted toward the battle against hemp, instead of battling other drugs, or even just other crimes.
The money spent on the pot wars would be excusable if it was even effective, but it isn't. Since it was outlawed, marijuana has very possibly become America's most valuable crop, with some estimates putting market value at around $30 billion. Americans spend as much or more buying marijuana than the government spends fighting all drugs combined.
I don't understand why marijuana legislation isn't a Republican issue. From what I understand, Republicans are supposed to stand for smaller, more efficient, more effective government. Most pot legislation seems to show broken government.
I'm half afraid to write about this - I know it'll probably cause more than a little eye-rolling. Even my first reaction to many pro-pot pieces is disdain. I'll be the first to admit you hardly ever find someone with enough time or drive to research the subject who can also report it with proper grammar and spelling. Their hearts are usually in the right place, they're just easily distracted. For some reason.
But I'm truly offended by anti-marijuana legislation. It's not that I'm a pothead or an ultra-liberal (though I doubt that dispels your suspicion), it's that I can't believe our government pours such a vast amount of money and resources into what is essentially weed killing. What's more, I say anti-marijuana laws cause needless suffering and are a severe detriment to our economy and the battle against other, more harmful, substances. Why aren't more Americans outraged by such irresponsible governing?
The War on Drugs (though inappropriately named) is a necessary one, and the $30-some billion annual price tag isn't too steep. Lives are saved, after all. But about $10 billion of that is diverted toward the battle against hemp, instead of battling other drugs, or even just other crimes.
The money spent on the pot wars would be excusable if it was even effective, but it isn't. Since it was outlawed, marijuana has very possibly become America's most valuable crop, with some estimates putting market value at around $30 billion. Americans spend as much or more buying marijuana than the government spends fighting all drugs combined.
I don't understand why marijuana legislation isn't a Republican issue. From what I understand, Republicans are supposed to stand for smaller, more efficient, more effective government. Most pot legislation seems to show broken government.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Aubree Moore
posted 11/13/07 @ 12:50 PM CST
Very good article, especially enjoyed the bit about alcohol and tobacco. My only problem, and I could very well be misguided about this, is the affects of using marijuana and other illegal drugs has on others. (Continued…)
I Like Mike
posted 11/14/07 @ 5:17 PM CST
"The War on Drugs has been a failure. It is time to end prohibition
and start treating addiction as a public health problem. This has ravaged
our inner cities, and we are losing an entire generation of men
and women to prisons. (Continued…)
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