Tamara Kelly
Staff Writer 

With the passing of Initiative 502, the legislation of marijuana is surely a topic for residents. While the marijuana reform looks like a free-for-all party the restrictions are very similar to the use of alcohol.

First, the state law prohibits producing, processing, and selling marijuana without the proper licensing regulations by the liquor control board.

Second, a 25% excise tax is imposed on wholesale and retail sales. This in turn will bring about a quarterly increase in the state revenue of over $1.4 million, which could easily relieve the 20% deficit Washington State is currently experiencing.

Third, marijuana is classified as a schedule I controlled substance. Since 1972 political groups have been trying to take marijuana, or cannabis off the controlled substance list. Attempting to get it changed to a schedule II substance for the use of medical issues has been an ongoing fight. Making it readily available for people could give several individuals relief.

Medical studies have proven it to help with Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Alzheimer’s, Gastrointestinal Disorders (IBS), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Obsessive neurological symptoms, Multiple Sclerosis, Glaucoma, Migraines, seizures, and slow down tumor growth, as in cancer.

Allowing the individual to administer cannabis when needed, or wanted for the purpose of relaxation is no different than the responsibility adults 21 and older feel towards drinking alcohol.

Another point is the effects are similar to that of alcohol. There’s never been any documented case of an overdose of marijuana, but there are several incidents of alcohol poisoning.