Puerto Rican officials push to legalize pot, no health problem required
Puerto Rican officials push to legalize pot, no health problem required
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A former health secretary and an ex-university president want to legalize marijuana in Puerto Rico, saying it will reduce a burgeoning prison population and prevent young adults from being exposed to violent criminals.Under the plan, marijuana would be taxed as liquor and tobacco are now, with proceeds going toward drug-treatment programs, said former Health Secretary Enrique Vazquez Quintana.
The proposal, also supported by other former public officials and a medical doctor, calls for stricter penalties against drug traffickers, and comes as the U.S. Caribbean territory prepares to launch drug-treatment programs to wean addicts from crack, heroin and other substances.
“The fight against drugs, using punishment, has not worked,” said Jose Manuel Saldana, former president of the University of Puerto Rico. “This is a social reality.”
People should not go to jail for smoking pot, he said. Too many young adults become criminals in prison and also risk contracting hepatitis and AIDS while there, Saldana and Vazquez said.
The Puerto Rican proposal is similar to the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act that will be garnering signatures in July for the 2010 ballot. More public policy makers are realizing there is a substantial untaxed revenue source in consumer cannabis that would generate $10-$14 billion in income and savings if it were taxed and regulated like alcohol.
Tags: Puerto Rico
