DECRIMINALIZATION OF CANNABIS

Dr. Ken Sends: 
 
DECRIMINALIZATION OF CANNABIS 
 
Quite possibly the most remarkable public statement I have seen from a 
law enforcement official on the Cannabis issue was made on July 31st 
by Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance.  He stated, quote: 
"Tomorrow, our Office will exit a system wherein smoking a joint can 
ruin your job, your college application, or your immigration 
status..., but our advocacy will continue. I urge New York lawmakers 
to legalize and regulate marijuana once and for all. 
 
The needless criminalization of pot smoking frustrates this core 
mission, so we are removing ourselves from the equation.  Our research 
has found virtually no public safety rationale for the ongoing arrest 
and prosecution of marijuana smoking, and no moral justification for 
the intolerable racial disparities that underlie enforcement."   End 
of quote. 
 
 The prohibition of Cannabis was ill-conceived, discriminatory in its 
enforcement, horrifically expensive and immeasurably more destructive 
to our national culture than casual use could possibly have been.  It 
is way past the time when it should have been ended on a national 
level. 
 
It is appropriate to acknowledge all those who have advocated for 
decriminalization during the most repressive times and to thank them 
for their efforts and sacrifice.  My position and sentiments have 
always been aligned with theirs though my primary value as a Doctor of 
Chiropractic would have been compromised by too public an advocacy. 
This has been the position forced upon many other professional and 
public figures and is a clear and continuous violation of all of our 
First Amendment rights. 
 
I have been, and will remain, a committed advocate for the completion 
of this long process of Cannabis decriminalization on a federal level. 
I also advocate the immediate release of all non-violent offenders and 
a redirection of the funds now used for incarceration to a program of 
reintegration into society. 
 
While I oppose the criminalization of cannabis users, I also oppose 
the open, commercial promotion of this, or any other substance, that 
has the potential to disrupt routine and sober mental functions.  I 
support the right of anyone who might use cannabis for medical or 
recreational purposes and I am confident that they will access 
cannabis without the aid of advertising and promotion.  The history of 
alcohol and tobacco should guide us in that regard. 
 
We have a lengthy list of challenges and priorities facing us as a 
nation and promoting widespread use of any substance that would divert 
our attentions from that purpose would be just as foolish and wasteful 
of resources as persecuting users has been. 
 
If you are unfamiliar with the origins and history of Marijuana 
repression, it is your duty as a public official to familiarize 
yourself with it in order that you are able to make a rational and 
responsible decision in regard to future public policy.  What you will 
discover is an outrageous and embarrassing story of racism, bigotry 
and unfair business practices that have been so blatant and audacious 
as to render them unrecognizable for what they are. 
 
I have compiled a brief list of resources for you to consult, if any 
doubt remains as to what your proper action should and will be.  They 
are admittedly supportive of ending cannabis prohibition, but you 
have, throughout your lives, been inundated with oppositional 
materials that have promoted and perpetuated the current policy 
agenda. 
 
You will also be exposed to the ecological, medical, agricultural, 
industrial and economic values of the non-psychoactive strain of 
Cannabis known as "Industrial Hemp."  In many ways, that story is more 
compelling than the story of Marijuana, and has the potential to move 
you toward decriminalization with greater urgency. 
 
Thank you for your time, I pray that you will join me, and millions of 
other responsible citizens and do your own part in ending this 
national disgrace.