cannabisnews.com: Cutting Through The Haze





Cutting Through The Haze
Posted by CN Staff on March 31, 2005 at 08:10:22 PT
By Chris Durant The Times-Standard 
Source: Times-Standard 
The 2005 National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws conference begins today in San Francisco and, this being Humboldt County, issues discussed in presentations and focus groups there will be of great interest to many people, on both sides of the issue, here.Over the next three days, people in the forefront of advocating for the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana will offer their views and strategies on the topic. Those highlights and core points will be reported in a series of Times-Standard stories.
But there are definitely many sides to the issue.Below, Humboldt County law enforcement officials offer their thoughts on the issue of legalizing marijuana. Paul Gallegos, Humboldt County District Attorney"I think it should be decriminalized," Gallegos said. "The criminalization of marijuana is leading to the deaths of too many people over a drug that, in and of itself, is not dangerous. We must re-evaluate our position on this. There are too many other more serious issues facing our communities than marijuana and our continued efforts in this regard divert us from the important tasks at hand."Gallegos said the marijuana cases aren't an "overwhelming burden," but office time and resources could be better spent on other issues."There are better ways to regulate it than making it illegal," Gallegos said. "Ultimately, that's for the Legislature to decide."Gallegos said the fact that marijuana goes for $4,000 to $5,000 a pound is a big incentive for someone to rob, hurt or kill others."It's a very profitable substance because it's illegal," Gallegos said. "If it became legal, I certainly think it would reduce some crime."He referred to several recent Humboldt County homicide cases where marijuana was involved."I know many disagree with me on this issue," Gallegos said. "I know that many will claim that this position is a result of permissiveness. It is not. I know the costs of marijuana use. I have seen it and I see it every day. My position is based on clear understanding that we will protect our youth and our citizens better by decriminalizing it and regulating than we do by outlawing it." Sgt. Wayne Hanson, Head of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department's Drug Enforcement UnitHis department is paid and required to enforce the laws made in Sacramento, Hanson said."And since it's illegal, it's illegal," he said of marijuana. "If it became legal, we'd cease."Hanson did offer some of his own personal views on the prohibition of marijuana."Society can't handle the alcoholism, with domestic violence and drunken driving," Hanson said. "So if you legalize another drug..." Hanson also mentioned the current economic impact marijuana cultivation has on the entire county, with the sales of real estate, vehicles and supplies."If you legalize marijuana, who knows what would happen to the economy of the county," Hanson said. "But that's not a reason to change any laws." Randy Mendosa, Arcata Police ChiefMendosa prefers to stay out of the politics of the issue."Both of their arguments have valid points," Mendosa said. "But my job is to enforce the laws. I leave the politics up to the legislative branch of government."Mendosa said that marijuana is a "significant" part of cases his department deals with, especially in the downtown area and the parks."It generates a lot of citizen complaints," Mendosa said.Articles covering the NORML conference will appear in the Times-Standard over the next three days.Complete Title: Cutting Through The Haze: Local Law Enforcement Comment on Pot Legalization Issues Source: Times-Standard (CA)Author: Chris Durant The Times-Standard Published: Thursday, March 31, 2005 Copyright: 2005 MediaNews Group, Inc.Contact: editor times-standard.comWebsite: http://www.times-standard.com/NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/CannabisNews -- NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on March 31, 2005 at 11:22:25 PT
herbdoc215 
I really do hope that you will be able to come home. Hang in there.
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Comment #3 posted by Hope on March 31, 2005 at 10:58:41 PT
herbdoc215
I'm so glad to hear you are still free and kicking back!
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Comment #2 posted by herbdoc215 on March 31, 2005 at 10:36:12 PT
Truth, He's the bastard who destroyed my life...
and yes he is that stupid BUT also that crooked. He's been on the "take" for so long he'd say the moon was made of cheese if he was told to say so! Hanson is the perfect Nazi, as head of MET he gets his jollies busting growers. In every debate I've made him and his buddy Lewis look the fool. He even made himself look stupid here in Canada at Immigra hearing getting caught in a lie. Hanson will rot in a special place in hell someday, snuggled up to a bourbon bottle and humping a blow-up doll shaped like John Walters! He better pray we don't win the Supreme court decision cause I'm going to sue him repeatedly for every cent he ever gets if I get to come home. Peace, Steve Tuck
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Comment #1 posted by Truth on March 31, 2005 at 09:17:24 PT
but, but, but....
His department is paid and required to enforce the laws made in Sacramento, Hanson said."And since it's illegal, it's illegal," he said of marijuana. "If it became legal, we'd cease."But Wayne, 215 is law."Society can't handle the alcoholism, with domestic violence and drunken driving," Hanson said. "So if you legalize another drug..." Wayne, it's called a safer alternative, even the kids at C.U. can figure that out. Are you really as ignorant as you appear?
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