As a traveler, I’ve been able to see how different societies creatively grapple with all kinds of issues — including marijuana use and abuse. This is an area where I think we can learn from Europeans, who have been coming at this from a “harm reduction” perspective rather than just “crime and punishment.”
Based on the drug policy successes I’ve seen overseas, I am proud to be a co-sponsor of New Approach Washington — an initiative to pragmatically legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana. This initiative is also sponsored by former US District Attorney John McKay, Seattle City Attorney Peter Holmes, and other respected legislators, professors, and civic leaders.
Nobody is advocating marijuana use in this discussion. Caring people are realizing that it simply makes more sense to regulate and tax marijuana rather than criminalize it. Care is being given to address the understandable and important concerns about pot getting into young people’s hands and anyone driving while intoxicated by anything. I firmly believe (and statistics from other countries ahead of us on this matter affirm the belief) that drug use will not go up substantially, and a big bite will be taken out of organized crime while freeing law enforcement’s time to focus on more dangerous criminals.
The initiative we are promoting is detailed and pragmatic, designed to win the approval of thoughtful people across the political spectrum. To learn more, visit the New Approach Washington website. If you have friends who are Washington State voters…pass the word along. We can use your help — you can even become a volunteer signature-gatherer
I agree wholeheartedly with this pragmatic approach. In many communities Marijuana use is accepted with a wink and a nod while in others is constitutes grounds for a prison sentence. It`s time for us to recognize that drug use will not go away even when the penalties are onerous; we have the example of Prohibition to demonstrate the utter failure of policies which try to limit what many view to be a desirable substance. Yes, there will be problems but on the whole when measured against the great harm that is now coming out of the war on drugs, these new problems will be far more manageable.
I don`t really think you will see law enforment change in boarder states like California, Marijuana is only the tip of the iceberge when it comes to organized crime, they are so involved in far worse drugs. My only concerned is in my 55 years I truely have never known anyone who is involved in marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs on a regular basis that doesn`t have other issues down the road.
Well said, Rick. I just wish it were that simple. Not to worry, if it happens we can be sure there will be someone who for personal gain will ruin the ideology. Hmmm, and I just thought it was the wine causing all of your giggles in the videos from Turkey. By the way, I enjoyed all of those blogs immensely. Thank you for what you do.
When I was in college, I used to smoke weed. I gave it up about 20 years ago. I drink wine, beer and occassionally spirits. It is more social. Plus, you can drink a beer and still do work. I don`t see the US allowing weed anytime soon.