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Richard Carmona on Drugs
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Have a rational debate on decriminalizing marijuana
Carmona thinks decriminalizing marijuana possession should be considered. Carmona said, "I don't think there's a clear cut answer. But what we do need is a rational debate about this, to make a decision."Carmona's comments come after
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he wants to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Although Carmona stopped short of endorsing Cuomo's plan, he did say it should be talked about.
Carmona said, "Clearly there are many people that are incarcerated for very minor offenses.
That really doesn't make sense; they could probably be better off in an educational program, in a diversion program and so on."
Source: AZ GOP video on Channel 3 "Vote 2012"
, Sep 1, 2012
Decriminalizing marijuana would reduce prison population
Voters in Arizona narrowly approved a ballot proposition in 2010 legalizing marijuana for medical reasons. Carmona says this needs to be closely studied to determine the costs and benefits.
And one of those benefits, he says, could be on the state's prison system, where nearly 20% of the state's prison population is serving time on drug convictions.
Carmona said, "I think we have to have everything on the table: the health effects of that;
the economic effects; and also the impact on the judicial system, which is now really overwhelmed with so many people with minor drug offenses."
Source: AZ GOP video on Channel 3 "Vote 2012"
, Sep 1, 2012
Page last updated: Nov 20, 2012
