Steve Chapman on Marijuana Ballot Initiatives

For decades, champions of the drug war have trumpeted the dire risks of marijuana. But millions of Americans have used and even enjoyed it -- nearly 100 million, in fact. Most of them have gone on to lead responsible, well-adjusted lives. Last year, Gallup found that 50 percent of Americans now favor legalizing cannabis, with only 46 percent opposed. The sentiment may lead to action, writes Steve Chapman, when residents of Colorado, Oregon and Washington vote on ballot measures to allow the regulated production, sale, and use of pot.

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