I agree Instead of spending millions each year (billions since the "war on drugs" started with Nixon) to stop it it could be taxed and regulated just like cigarettes and actually bring in revenue. Unlike tobacco marijuana doesn't need harsh chemicals to grow. I also doubt that growers would need a subsidy. The government gives farmers money to grow tobacco then turns around and spends even more to fight the diseases caused by it. Not to mention the grab for free money from the cigarette manufacturers. Take away the tax free illegal market and the violence would stop.

mr. think tank,

If you figure the total cost, it is much more like many billions a year. You have to figure in the cost of the "war on drugs" itself, then the law enforcement and judicial costs, and the costs of imprisonment for "victimless" crimes. But then there is the loss of tax income from those incarcerated and the loss of potential in come from a beneficially-taxed production.

This is too funny. I think we should all start a campaign to ask each individual Tea Partier if weed should be legal. If all of their heads explode it would be an effective and amusing insecticide.