More On Drugs: What Would Happen If Marijuana Were Legalized in CT?

Chief Claims Marijuana Use Would Triple If Legalized

A chance meeting at Pastrami on Wry led to the June episode of Manchester Review focusing on issues of drug legalization. Chief Montminy asked Manchester Review for an opportunity to counter a previous show on which the guest, the late Joe Brooks, a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition), argued for legalization of all drugs.
Although acknowledging the drug war has so far been unsuccessful, the Chief feels that legalization would open the floodgates and abuse would skyrocket. LEAP  claims that after spending billions in 40 years with 40 million arrests, drugs are cheaper and more prevalent than ever. Montminy argues that drug abuse causes crime (eg robberies to get drug money) and violence. Although drug issues in Manchester are serious (witness all the narcotics arrests lately), they are worse in some other towns. A troubling  recent change is the increased Illegal use of prescription drugs in Connecticut.
The Chief is not a vocal proponent of legalizing marijuana, but the he says it is no worse than alcohol (which he agrees is very damaging) and should be remain either completely illegal or be totally legalized.  Half measures such as decriminalization or allowing medical use are ineffective. However, the Chief says legalization would probably triple marijuana use. Although the ACLU calls for marijuana legalization to reduce the prison population, Montminy claims that less than 1% of incarcerations are for possession only.
For now the Feds are ignoring the conflict between federal and State law. Marijuana remains illegal federally but legal in some States. Connecticut has decriminalized its possession. Two States  (Washington and Colorado) approved it for recreational use. Sixteen allow medicinal use.
For those interested in exploring the issue in detail, Manchester Review recommends  reading Drugs and Drug Policy by Kleiman, Hawkin and Caulkins. It presents well researched, balanced view on the issues of drug legalization.
The Chief comments on gun control and school safety also. “There isn’t a school in the country that can be reasonably defended against a perpetrator with an AR 15.”  On gun control- it’s almost too late- the country is awash in guns. He is against putting an armed officer in every school. Asking where do you stop? School buses? dismissal time? Churches?
The Chief’s interview can be seen on You Tube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU8SFxWSOu8) anytime or on Mondays in June on Cox PATV Channel 15 at 9 PM. Comments and questions are welcome at manchesterreview@gmail.com.