Pubdate: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 Source: Maui News, The (HI) Copyright: 2014 The Maui News Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/1Mw4cXws Website: http://www.mauinews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2259 Author: Bronson Kaahui MARIJUANA PROHIBITION HAS PROVED TO BE A FAILURE What exactly is the purpose of the marijuana prohibition? We know, based on the evidence, that the marijuana prohibition does not reduce marijuana use in any way, shape or form and has, in fact, only increased marijuana use among all age groups. We know that it does not discourage teenagers from using and may, in fact, actually promote marijuana use. We know that in Amsterdam, for example, where marijuana is freely available, they have a lower rate of cannabis use than in America. We know that in Colorado pot use is down among teenagers despite full legalization. We know that traffic fatalities and violent crimes are down as well. We know that our government has spent billions on this pointless prohibition with absolutely zero accomplishments to date. So what exactly is the purpose of the law anyway? To increase marijuana use? That is about the only measurable effect this prohibition has had in the last 70 years - increasing pot use, traffic fatalities and crime. What is moral about that? Time to legalize. We've tried prohibition already and it doesn't work. You say it is time for a change in Hawaii, start by changing the failed policies that you support and wish to perpetuate. Bronson Kaahui Lahaina - --- MAP posted-by: Matt