Seattle Times columnist endorses legalization

Washington State is approaching the legalization of marijuana on two fronts this year. There are ballot initiatives in the works, but there are also measures going on within the government. Danny Westneat, of the Seattle Times, points to legislative progress in an article entitle, "Time to let pot trade bud legally".

Today, former Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper, also of LEAP, will ask state legislators to legalize marijuana. Doing so would cut down on violent crime, as well as save millions of dollars, he'll argue. He'll be joined by a former Border Patrol agent.

One proposed bill, House Bill 1177, would reduce adult possession of pot from a crime to a civil infraction with a $100 fine (it would stay a crime for juveniles.) That would save an estimated $12 million a year in jail and court costs.

The other bill, House Bill 2401, would legalize pot completely (for adults.) Then regulate the sale -- with government control of type, price and potency -- much as we do with alcohol.