Pot Laws

Obama: Enforcing pot laws in states

that have legalized it not a top priority…

"Obama made explicit in an interview to air Friday on ABC News that prosecution of marijuana users in the two states would be placed low on his Justice Department's list of law enforcement priorities, but that certain issues must still be ironed out as more states could pass similar legislation." (Reference)

It seems sensible to not go after any state that decriminalizes marijuana by some measure. Prosecutors in some jurisdictions have said that they will not pursue criminal action for those already charged with marijuana possession for personal use.

We are entering an era where governments will stop wasting money attempting to turn marijuana users into criminals.

Marijuana Decriminalization

Colorado, Washington, and Oregon will have ballot initiatives in November for decriminalization of of marijuana. This measure will allow recreational use of pot, not just medicinal application. The feds have remained silent on these state-level issues.

The federal government lists marijuana as a Class-1 substance, which is that for heroine as well. There is no comparison between the two as for the addictive attribute of each.

The two opposing camps on this issue give rather strong arguments; although, those who want marijuana to remain illegal also give fallacious slippery slope claims.

Personally, I see no reason not to change the law on this. Too bad that the feds will not do the reasonable thing on this. Both federal excise and state sales taxes on legally marketed marijuana would provide a large boost to the financial coffers at both levels.

Portugal has no criminal statutes for any drugs, including heroine. That country has the lowest incidence of drug addiction per capita among countries where statistics exist for drug use.

I feel it is time for decriminalization of marijuana at all levels.