870,000 People Arrested For Pot

The tough enforcement of the Drug War continues as arrests for marijuana hit a new record in 2007.

According to FBI figures released today, about 873,000 people were arrested on marijuana charges in the United States last year, 5 percent more than in 2006 and a new record. This is the fifth year in a row that marijuana arrests, which are up 167 percent since 1990, have increased. In 2007 marijuana arrests accounted for nearly half of the 1.8 million drug arrests; as usual, the vast majority of the pot busts, about 775,000, were for simple possession.

I cannot imagine the resources dedicated to busting those people who possess a small amount of weed. To me, this is the law enforcement equivalent of pork barrel spending – resources are used for a lower priority rather than helping out with school security, cleaning the streets of murder, theft, rape and other violent activities.

This is not advocating the use of weed, but resources should not be spent on cracking down the simple possession or use of weed. If someone chooses to do bodily harm to themselves, there should be no punishment other than what they are inflicting on themselves.

Now, if they are driving while "high" or drunk, then it is time to crack down. At this point, someone puts another life in danger.

But the millions spent and days occupied chasing those down who hold weed are a waste.