Editor,
Eric Howerton did a good job of explaining the irrationality and irresponsibility of the anti-marijuana ads plastering the air waves.
He also shows some understanding of the history of marijuana laws. So, I can’t understand how he came to such an absurd conclusion that legalization would be dangerous until we change our attitudes about marijuana use. That’s like saying we need to change our attitudes about racism before we end segregation.
The simple fact is that our marijuana laws make it far easier for children to get a hold of pot. Ask any kid, and they will tell you that pot is far easier to obtain than alcohol or tobacco. Marijuana dealers don’t check ID’s and only through regulated cannabis sales can we stop kids from getting a hold of pot. Likewise, as Howerton pointed out, these laws had no legitimate basis to begin with. Why would they have one now?
And let’s not forget the costs of enforcing our marijuana laws. Annual marijuana arrests exceed the number of arrests for murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault combined. We need police to focus on taking dangerous people off the streets, not enforcing a baseless hatred of marijuana use.
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Kevin Killough
UNM student
