Jordan's Marijuana Page

I have been contemplating the U.S. "Drug War," and the need for reform of marijuana laws. I think that the U.S. would be much better off if they would divert funds spent on the American drug war, i.e. putting and keeping repeat drug offenders in jail, to drug treatment facilities and/or other more sensible solutions to controlling drug usage in the country.

For example, in Holland, they have rejected the drug war metaphor. While drugs remain officially illegal, they have differentiated between marijuana--which can legally be sold in small quantities in aprroved locations to adults--and hard drugs. Hard drug usage is viewed primarily as a medical problem with emphasis on treating rather than incarcerating the user.

Why not use the $2-billion dollars that are used on the anti-drug advertising campign to follow the Dutch in honest education about the drug problem and treatment of those who are addicted? Treating drug addiction as a medical rather than a criminal problem works, but serious drug treatment is only available to 10% of those in prison who need it. Yet we continue to waste billions on the failed drug war. Drugs are easier to get ahold of then ever. Opium production has doubled in the past decade. The only thing the drug war has accomplished has been to increase the profitability of the illegal drug trade that now, according to United Nations statistics, generates $400 billion in revenues, an amazing 10% of all world trade.

Isn't it ridiculous to continue the current strategy at ever greater human and financial cost. In 1980, we spent $4 billion fighting the drug war, and the drug war hawks told us that was not enough. Now we spend somewhere around $100 billion, and they tell us the end is not even close.

In 1980, 50,000 Americans were in prison on drug-related charges. The figure is now 400,000, many for personal use, making this one of the largest human rights violations in the world. Yes, because the very idea of putting people in jail on the basis of personal behavior for a victimless crime represents a violation of our basic freedom.

Please take my survey below to tell me what you think of this idea. There is also a testimonial from THOR about how marijuana saved his life. I also highly suggest that anyone interested in this subject see the documentary titled, "GRASS." It is a history of prohibition of marijuana in the U.S., narrated by Woody Harrelson. You can also click on the word "Grass" above to see what the New York Times had to say about it. Also check out my links below for info on how to build your own vaporizer, free E-mail and a cool online board game site. And feel free to sign and look at my guest book!

Please take the time to send this pre-written letter to your representaive.

Here are some links to cool games and info!!!

In addition to NORML, please check out the Marijuana Policy Project Homepage.
Info on how to build your own pipes, bongs, and vaporizers
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free online board games! Provided by Games.com (Monopoly, Scrabble, yahtzee, scrabble and more!)

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