Pubdate: Sun, 30 Jul 2006
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune (MN)
Copyright: 2006 Star Tribune
Contact: http://www.startribune.com/dynamic/feedback/form.php?opinion=1
Website: http://www.startribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/266
Author:  Dan Elliott
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

CRIME AND CANNABIS

Regarding Mayor R.T. Rybak's Opinion Exchange piece on July 23: Every 
time I read something about how marijuana causes crime ("Boycott 
murderers"), I nearly shout out loud (and sometimes I do), "Take the 
crime out of marijuana!" That is, legalize it. This would solve the 
problem of suburbanites giving money to north Minneapolis gangs.

Or do you think that allowing adults to purchase cannabis legally in 
a controlled environment (same as alcohol) is worse than what we have 
in north Minneapolis?

This fall voters in Nevada have the opportunity to legalize cannabis 
for personal use. Will your paper cover this event in any way? Will 
the paper do a legitimate pro and con on the debate? Compare cost vs. 
benefit of marijuana prohibition and honestly ask the question: Is 
there a better way? Unfortunately, I predict not.

By not at least exploring the question you are part of the problem.

Dan Elliott

Robbinsdale
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman