High time to legalize marijuana

To the editor,

Why not inhale and support April 20th National Pot Day every day? Consumption of marijuana for both medical and recreational use is part of mainstream America, transcending generations.

Creative entrepreneurs will always provide the citizens’ desire, regardless of government approval. Consumers have voted with their dollars, making marijuana consumption a multibillion-dollar enterprise today. Legalize it and add a sales tax. Revenues will more than cover the costs of any abuse. Our tax dollars will be better used if police and judges spend more time prosecuting those who commit real crimes against individuals or property than going after those who consume or distribute marijuana.

Citizens have more to fear from murder, arson, rape, muggings, robberies, auto and identity theft or home break-ins than individuals who get high in the privacy of their own home. Law enforcement authorities should be free to pursue those who commit real crimes against citizens and property.

At 18, you are old enough to vote, consume alcohol, be a parent, pay taxes, own a car, take out a student loan, serve in the military and die for your country — but not consume marijuana. This makes no sense.

What consenting adults consume, inhale, perform, read or view in the privacy of their own home or private social club isn’t the concern of government. Individual economic and civil liberties prosper best when government stays out of both the bedroom and marketplace.

Let us hope that we have finally learned from the obvious failures of prohibition. It is time to permit consenting adults to access any so-called illegal products or substances without fear from government harassment.

Larry Penner