Letter: Legalize marijuana, reap tax benefits

The time has come for the federal government to legalize the use, production and sale of marijuana.

Our economy, especially in its current condition, can benefit significantly from revenue gained by taxing the substance.

The market created would be subject to government regulation just as tobacco and liquor companies are, which would counter the disorder and abuse currently associated with pot.

Illegal activity would decrease, as the trade and possession of cannabis would no longer be illegal.

As for the effects of marijuana: Impaired judgment and thought processes are characteristic of alcohol use as well, and smoking cigarettes is as likely to cause cancer and lung diseases as smoking weed (if not more so).

Yet, these substances are still legal.

So why not marijuana?

The use and supply of medicinal marijuana is already permitted in many regions in the U.S.

Full legalization is a feasible concept in California.

In this state alone, prospective tax revenue could exceed $1 billion.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy has declared adamancy in the prohibition of cannabis.

However, a page should be taken out of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s book: In the face of the Great Depression, he lead the repeal of the alcohol prohibition, primarily for a new market to tax.

We can all benefit from acceptance of marijuana as a legal market.

By speaking out, supporting propositions on California ballots and writing letters to newspapers, we are speaking to the national government.

It is only a matter of time before they listen.

Banicia Chatkara

Yuba City