Why not legalize marijuana on the federal level? Gangster criminal drug dealers will go out of business fast when they have to compete with packaged marijuana cigarettes from the likes of Marlboro and RJ Reynolds. Legalize it and tax it. Domestic marijuana could be a lucrative cash crap for the U.S. Prohibition and the "War of Drugs" have done nothing but bolster criminals gangs and syndicates.

This plan would both reduce organized crime and create a new sources of revenue for State governments, both from a direct tax on marijuana, as well as additional income tax revenue. Presently, the money which could be funding 1) domestic growers, 2) legal American businesses, and 3) government expenditures for schools, public safety, etc. is instead funding 1) local organized crime, 2) smugglers, and 3) foreign growers (which amounts to exportation of wealth).

I agree, the real denial comes from our society through our drug laws. Prohibition does not work. Our government should be selling at government run stores all recreational drugs at below cost to put all drug dealers out of business. If there is no money to make locally, state wide, nationally, and international then they are out of business. The government can use drug enforcement monies for drug council ling on a everyday basis with people who are in need. Most of the public would not participate in the use of recreational drugs because of personal choice and drug policies at the workforce. If more people would understand and buy into this concept, a grassroots campaign could begin.