What Would Be The Effects of Legalizing and Taxing Marijuana
Jeffrey W. Watthey
October 9, 2008
The Gazette (Frederick, MD)
It was refreshing to read Howard J. Wooldridge's letter in The Gazette on Sept. 16 ("Drug dealers only fear legalization").
The analogy between the huge increase in crime prompted by the prohibition of the consumption of alcoholic beverages with the criminal marketing of illicit drugs never seems to be discussed.
Obviously, the consumption of these drugs has negative consequences on the individuals involved as well as to society in general. But just what would be the consequences of legalizing (and taxing) marijuana?
Just what effect would it have on the consumption of this drug?
There really needs to be a much stronger justification for the policies in place, and a realization that the enforcement of these policies uses significant law enforcement resources better employed elsewhere. | 
