Bloomberg Opposes Legalization of Marijuana, but Lightens Penalty
Friday, February 15, 2013 - 11:07 AM
Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he opposes legalizing marijuana — or any other illicit drug.
The mayor discussed the issue on his weekly WOR Radio show Friday.
"I'm opposed to legalizing marijuana," he said, "because all that will happen is: Number 1, it's much more potent than when you and I were teenagers or whatever; And number 2, the drug dealers are going to sell something. If there's no money in marijuana they're going to sell harder stuff."
During his State of the City address Thursday, the mayor said those who get picked up on charges of having a small amount of marijuana will be released with desk appearance tickets if they have ID and no open warrants.
He says the policy change that takes place next month will help ease congestion in courts and jails.
Comments [3]
If you want the drug dealers to stop selling drugs then legalize all drugs. Provide safe distribution to addicts of harder drugs, along with paths to sobriety and treatment. The money the taxes bring in, and the money saved from imprisoning users can go towards these efforts, as well as educating non-violent dealers on ways to work legally.
Bloomberg's step is good, though minimal. We need a drastic rethinking of drug policy to make big change, and reduce crime on the border and in our streets.
Seems like Bloomberg is taking clear, unambiguous stances like this one on many issues as his tenure enters the twilight hours. Perhaps to secure prolonged influence on the mayoral candidates, but I don't want to be too pessimistic.
all u have to say is no to the the hard stuff there is nothing you can say or do cause if i remanber corrtly all of our goverment wants it legal so ya think of that BUDdy
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