Report Inappropriate Comments

Mr. Houghtaling, the marijuana debate is long over.

You state that, “Where once folks faced long prison sentences regarding possession, we now acknowledge that this draconian measure was harmful and shortsighted.” While I applaud the change of opinion from someone who has worked in the addiction and prevention fields for 35 years, one wonders why it took so long for views to evolve after decades of endless debate. Keep up the debate, and it’ll be 2115 before things change.

Regulating folks ‘growing their own’ is laughable at best. No one regulates home grown grapes, corn, potatoes, or apples, all of which can be converted to alcohol (wines and ales) legally at home. If you’re a big fan of personal choice, stay out of my garden, please. Let me worry about cultivation, storage, and theft.

The financial benefits of home-grown cannabis are evident. If one doesn't have to pay for black market or government regulated marijuana, that money can and will be spent elsewhere. Call it the “Grow Up” effect. Wouldn't you rather see a cannabis user’s money spent at greenhouses and garden centers, or paying bills and entertainment costs, rather than going to yet another regulating agency? There’s already money to be made from marijuana through indirect taxes. And for those that don’t want to grow their own or prefer to buy store bought, tax away.

“There is something cold about making money off a venture that presents so many risks.” You’re light on details as to what those risks are. Do you feel the same about Liquor and Wine stores, or restaurants and bars that serve alcohol? Safety monitoring is a valid concern, one which can be addressed quickly. Many police departments are already equipped with officers trained to identify drugged driving. Mirror drugged driving laws to resemble drunk driving laws.

Keep up the work if you must, but the answer is already there. Full legalization.

The Berg