Letter: Legalize Marijuana
Gatewood Galbraith
March 7, 2009
Lexington Harald-Leader (KY)
In essence, the United States government has yielded jurisdiction over marijuana to the individual states. Each state can now adopt whatever laws it wishes regarding marijuana, including its regulation and taxation. Legislation has already been introduced in California to do so.
Kentucky stands at a crossroads that I predicted 33 years ago. We have the opportunity to finally gain a huge new source of revenue and direct it toward our budget deficits, education, pensions and retirements. Simultaneously we can stop enriching the criminal black market and finally have a chance of keeping marijuana out of the hands of the kids.
We no longer have to wait for permission to do this. We now have it. The question is, does our legislature have the leadership and intelligence to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lift Kentucky from unnecessary suffering and poverty.
The governor should call a special session this summer to adopt a tax and regulation plan for marijuana (and hemp as a fuel). I predict that Kentucky would realize at least $400 million annually in new tax revenues and cut the cost of health care by another $500 million because of its benefits as a natural medicine. | 
