It's good to see the state move forward on potentially legalizing marijuana.  The commission set up to study the issue is set to release a report by January 31, 2009.  Among the questions they will attempt to address:

Other topics to be explored are the effects and costs of Rhode Island’s prohibition of the drug, except to sick people; whether adult use has increased since it was banned in 1918; whether its sales are financing drug cartels and fomenting violence; and its current availability to young people. The group will also look at how states and countries that have decriminalized the drug have fared.

One of the first subjects the panel will examine is Massachusetts’ experience since voters there overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure in November 2008 that decriminalized possessing small amounts of marijuana. People caught with less than an ounce face a $100 civil fine, but not criminal charges.


     It appears the commission will be addressing all the major issues.  Although, I have a feeling I know how many will turn out:

*  By legalizing marijuana, the state will save a tremendous amount of money on costs associated with law enforcement and incarceration. 

*  Fewer people will have a criminal record for engaging in this victimless crime.  This can only help their future prospects.

*  Availability to young people probably won't be any different than it is now.  I doubt there are many teens who want it and don't know where to get it.


     Legalization is a great idea, but I do have a question: Is legalization even possible with marijuana illegal at the federal level?  I was under the impression that it could be decriminalized, but that actual legalization would be out of the question.  I also wonder how tax collections would occur, since it would entail the creation of legal producers and points of sale.  Once this occurs, any tax placed on the marijuana would have to bring the cost in line with illegally purchased marijuana.  If not, users would likely skip legal avenues and continue to feed money to illegal distributors.

     Done right, legalization/decriminalization could save money, result in fewer incarcerations, and most importantly, preserve personal liberty by allowing individuals to make choices for themselves.  We could continue to keep it illegal, but where has that gotten us?