US CA: OPED: Yes: Legalizing Marijuana Would Add Revenue and Let Cops Fight Real Crime

8/29/2010

YES: LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WOULD ADD REVENUE AND LET COPS FIGHT REAL CRIME

With more than $300 million spent annually arresting more than 60,000 Californians, the majority of them young, black and brown, the California Medical Association accurately labels marijuana criminalization "a failed public health policy."

Proposition 19 allows police to concentrate on real crimes, unclogs courts and reduces prison overcrowding. The California Board of Equalization estimates legalization will raise $1.4 billion for schools, health programs and essential government services.

Proposition 19 opponents point to the societal and health costs of alcohol as proof there will be increased costs if marijuana is legalized. Truth be told, health care costs will go down when responsible adults are allowed to make the rational, safer choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol.

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