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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Harm Reduction and The Noble Herb.

It is ironic that governments around the world have tried in vain to suppress this noble herb. It is just a green plant and because of its possession you are guilty of a criminal offence. Now how stupid is that? This plant has been used for five thousand years but in the nineteen thirties was made a controlled substance. Now the fun begins busting people for simply possessing this plant. According to Allen St. Pierre, executive director of the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), over 8 million Americans have been arrested on marijuana charges during the past decade, while arrests for cocaine and heroine have declined sharply.
Now just in this past week alone two states Oregon and California are bringing forth legislation to legalize and tax this product, as a method to stem the financial crisis in these states. California is proposing $98.00 an ounce tax while Oregon is proposing a tax of $50.00 an ounce. No matter how you cut the mustard that amounts to a huge cash cow, a huge influx into the public resources.
The greatest benefit however comes in the social form, escape from criminal arrest, prosecution and incarceration. This saving alone is more important than revenue enhancement. The Noble herbs time has come No longer is DEA and every police dept freed up from having to deal with this issue and will be able to spend their time at much more pressing problems the seventy million people who recreationally use this plant are relieved of a stigma associated with dope. This could be a win win situation lets see where it goes lets hear the arguments.

4 comments:

cc'd said...

It is estimated that approximately 4% of the world's (and North American) population utilize the noble herb either as a replacement for alcohol, for medicinal use, or for recreational purposes (note that this is not daily use).

It could be argued that use of this herb is a lifestyle choice, one that every 1 in 25 people know is a criminal offense. Are outdated prohibition laws really determining that 4% of the world belongs in jail?

I think you make a compelling case Mr. Tango, but one that the estimated 75% of religious-faith population in north america may frown upon. It may take a noble-herb crusade to spread this word - hippies rejoice!

Tango daddy said...

I would never have thought 4% but find that reasonble. agreed that the religious right is an impediment to overcome. Not just us old hippies everyone need rejoice but only after it happens I for one am busy crusading!

Annette said...

I would think most people would support legalizing this.. but what do I know...lol I can't partake, everytime I have tried I get deathly ill...guess I have some kind of allergy or something...lol even the smell does me in...

But, it would solve some major problems, it grows wild here and would be a great boon to the economy if people could harvest and sell it and the states could tax it. I see it as a win win situation.

Tango daddy said...

Not for everyone Annette but being on the side of what is proper thats the issue.This would be a forward looking move!