2008 Woodie Awards
Letter to the Editor: Taxing marijuana would put a stop to harder drugs
Kirk Muze
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Opinions
I'm writing about your recent online poll question: "Do you think marijuana should be legalized? (4-17-08).
It seems to me that you asked the wrong question. The question should be: Should marijuana remain completely untaxed, unregulated and controlled by criminals?
Because marijuana is now illegal, it is sold only by criminals (criminals who often sell other, much more dangerous drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine), and they often offer free samples of the more dangerous drugs to their marijuana customers. Thus the so-called "gateway effect."
In a regulated market, this would not happen. Do the readers know of anyone who has been offered a free bottle of whiskey, rum or vodka when legally buying beer or wine? I don't either.
If we regulate, control, and tax the sale and production of marijuana, we close the gateway to hard drugs.
Kirk Muse, Mesa, AZ
It seems to me that you asked the wrong question. The question should be: Should marijuana remain completely untaxed, unregulated and controlled by criminals?
Because marijuana is now illegal, it is sold only by criminals (criminals who often sell other, much more dangerous drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine), and they often offer free samples of the more dangerous drugs to their marijuana customers. Thus the so-called "gateway effect."
In a regulated market, this would not happen. Do the readers know of anyone who has been offered a free bottle of whiskey, rum or vodka when legally buying beer or wine? I don't either.
If we regulate, control, and tax the sale and production of marijuana, we close the gateway to hard drugs.
Kirk Muse, Mesa, AZ
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Mandy
posted 4/21/08 @ 9:41 AM CST
It could fund the Republican's war in Iraq!
Brother Corgan
posted 4/21/08 @ 9:25 PM CST
The "gateway effect" is a myth perpetuated by prohibitionist propaganda. The same people (I'm looking at YOU, Nancy Reagan!) brought you the myth that smoking marijuana is dangerous, addictive, and makes men grow breasts. (Continued…)
Coty Flannagan
posted 4/22/08 @ 11:23 AM CST
Marijuana is dangerous and addictive. Not as much others substances, but it is not harmless.
First of all, if you smoke it, you are smoking, and smoking is dangerous. (Continued…)
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