U.S. Surgeon Gen Supports the Legalization of Marijuana [View All]

[Charleston Chew]

Run time: 06:07 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olD1SiKoDVA   Posted on YouTube: October 17, 2010 By YouTube Member: MOXNEWSd0tCOM Views on YouTube: 301   Posted on DU: October 18, 2010 By DU Member: Charleston Chew Views on DU: 787

 
Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders told CNN Sunday she supports legalizing marijuana.

The trend-setting state of California is voting next month on a ballot initiative to legalize pot, also known as Proposition 19. The measure would legalize recreational use in the state, though federal officials have said they would continue to enforce drug laws in California if the initiative is approved.

"What I think is horrible about all of this, is that we criminalize young people. And we use so many of our excellent resources ... for things that aren't really causing any problems," said Elders. "It's not a toxic substance."

Supporters of California's Prop. 19 say it would raise revenue and cut the cost of enforcement, while opponents point to drug's harmful side-effects.



http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/10/18/former.surgeon.general.marijuana/