Marijuana choice

Re “Time to change drug strategy,” editorial, Dec. 27: Kudos to the editors for calling on Congress to hear HR 2306, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act.

Passage of this measure would remove the existing conflict between federal law and the laws of those 16 states, as well as the District of Columbia, that already allow for the limited use of marijuana under a physician’s supervision.

It would also permit states that wish to fully legalize (for adults) and regulate the non-medical use, possession, production and intrastate distribution of marijuana to be free to do so without federal interference.

Just as state and local governments are free to enact their own policies regarding the sale and use of alcohol — a mind-altering, potentially toxic substance that poses far greater harm to society than does marijuana — they should be free to adopt marijuana policies that best reflect the wishes and mores of their citizens.

It is time to stop ceding control of the marijuana market to unregulated, criminal entrepreneurs and allow states the authority to enact common-sense regulations that seek to govern the adult use of marijuana in a fashion similar to alcohol.

Paul Armentano

Deputy Director

National Organization for the

Reform of Marijuana Laws

Washington D.C.