Amendment 44 is heating up

I finally understand why the DEA is so upset about the ballot initiative in Colorado that is intended to legalize possession of one ounce of marijuana for adults over 21 years of age. I was concerned that perhaps Federal prohibitions against marijuana would still be enforced. But that is not the case. According to CBS4Denver, it would be impossible for the Feds to enforce the law.

"There aren't enough federal resources on the entire planet to handle ounce size marijuana possession," Jeffrey Sweetin, a DEA agent said. "Your viewers should understand if this passes, we're really legitimately legalizing an ounce of marijuana. They're not going to be prosecuted."

When reading editorials, make note of the claims made by the prohibitionist. Read the following passage and try to figure out why it is suspect:

• It is not true that marijuana is a harmless alternative to alcohol. Alcohol is dangerous when abused, but marijuana can be dangerous, too. Too many people become psychologically addicted to its drug. Some users get into accidents or otherwise endanger themselves. Some become intrigued with harder, more addicting drugs and begin to experiment with them.

Link

The author makes a lot of claims but with no evidence to back them up. Notice that the claims are very vague and difficult to prove. They can not come out and say that marijuana causes more accidents or is more addictive than alcohol because those claims are easily refuted. And we are still hearing about the disproven "gateway" theory. in the same way that some Christians still cling to Intelligent Design, prohibitionists cling to the gateway theory.

They better get those "but what about the children" editiorials published despite the fact that the current laws don't prevent children from using drugs.

I hope that in a months' time when the voters get to cast their ballots I can happily report to my non-existent readers that possession of an ounce of marijuana is no longer illegal in Colorado. In the meantime, I have a bit of advice for prohibitionist-minded editorialists.

Sign your letters. This might give you the appearance of credibility.