Madison NORML

Source: Eau Claire Leader Telegram click here
Pubdate: 14 December 2007
Author: Gary Storck

REVIVE POT RECOMMENDATION

The Dec. 7 letter headlined "Tobacco a bigger danger than pot" makes great sense in urging an end to marijuana prohibition.

An America where marijuana possession and distribution for personal use was legal was actually envisioned 35 years ago in a report by a Republican former Pennsylvania governor, Raymond Shafer, appointed by no less than President Nixon to head his National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse. In 1972, the Shafer Commission recommended to Nixon and Congress that the "possession of marijuana for personal use no longer be an offense, (and that the) casual distribution of small amounts of marijuana for no remuneration, or insignificant remuneration no longer be an offense."

Although our leaders have yet to heed the Shafer Commission's sensible recommendations, it's never too late to turn around and begin regulating marijuana like we have long done with alcohol and tobacco.

A system of regulated sales would create a new tax revenue stream that could help fund needed programs while eliminating expenditures in law enforcement, the courts and the prison-probation system. It would also create an entirely new legal industry with untold potential for job creation and economic development.

In these days of economic uncertainty, unending war and global warming, the lifting of marijuana prohibition would likely produce a collective uplifting of our bruised and battered national spirit unseen since the repeal of alcohol prohibition in 1933. Removing criminal penalties would also allow the medical use of cannabis to reach its full potential, reducing health care costs. Millions of otherwise law-abiding Americans are already using marijuana today. It's time to admit marijuana prohibition has only made things worse, and bring America's and Wisconsin's biggest cash crop above ground.

GARY STORCK

Director, Madison Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Madison