Several states have legalized marijuana on the ballot this year and I know it is because the state and federal agencies have been fighting the drug war wrong.

The states say they are doing so to reap millions in taxes that would have gone to the drug cartels. Colorado found they have more traffic accidents, more hospital visits, and higher insurance rates after legalizing. A recent study by the state showed a net loss. Surrounding states had the costs without the offsetting income.

Legalizing an illegal drug means capitulating the war because local governments didn’t get into the real fight by arresting the users. We have spent trillions trying to stop the growers, refiners, transporters, wholesalers, and retailers. It doesn’t take a degree in economics or business to know those in the drug business is easily replaceable. The people who aren’t replaceable are the users. Stop people from using and the entire trade will collapse.

My suggestion is to quit sending billions to other countries to fight drugs. Spend it here on low security work farms for recreational users. Recreational users are the majority users of marijuana, cocaine, and meth. That alone would cut the majority of the trade. Higher security and drug treatment would reduce sales to those who are addicted.

Is it possible to do this? Yes! Will it happen? NO! Why not? Because arresting voters, contributors, and “nice people and their kids” is unacceptable to those in elected offices. Locking up those people for a week or two would require guts and those in elected office are gutless. It is better to blame the cartels who are just satisfying our desires. It isn’t the American’s fault; it’s the Cartel’s fault.