Marijuana Debate Draws Polis, Suthers

August 17, 2011 3:23 PM

Marijuana (credit: CBS)

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VAIL, Colo. (AP) – Colorado’s most prominent politicians for and against legalizing marijuana are talking about the question Wednesday in Vail.

Democratic Rep. Jared Polis and Republican Attorney General John Suthers are among the participants in a discussion at the Vail Symposium.

Polis says the federal government should end marijuana prohibition and let states decide whether to allow the drug. Suthers argues that pot legalization is a bad idea because it could increase drug use among young people.

Also at the symposium are a retired Drug Enforcement Administration agent and the head of the New York-based Drug Policy Alliance, which advocates for decriminalizing drugs.

The discussion is open to the public. Tickets are $15 to $47.

LINK: http://goo.gl/LbxXW

Steve

Unfortunately for Suthers, there is no evidence by anyone, anywhere to support his assertion that legalization would increase use by minors. It is a complete fallacy and has been continually parroted by those who have no real argument against legalization.

We lowered the drinking age years ago, and yet, there is no evidence that it had any impact. Prohibition isnt the answer for any problem, reasonable, legal enforcement along with regulation is the answer.

Treat it like they do alcohol and there will be no problems, period.
Jim

A legislative model that includes taxation and regulation is by far the most practical approach to cannabis. John Suthers is an “ah shucks” good ole’ boy politician that is pandering to a fearful, socially conservative base by using the same scare tactics employed 70+ years ago by the nascent corporations that produced “Reefer Madness.”