Originally published February 13, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified February 13, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Travel writer Rick Steves joins ACLU in tackling issue of marijuana laws
Travel writer Rick Steves and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington have formed an unlikely partnership to tackle a topic they...
Seattle Times staff reporter
Travel writer Rick Steves and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington have formed an unlikely partnership to tackle a topic they call the equivalent of the alcohol-prohibition laws of the 1920s — the criminalization of marijuana.
Steves, who five years ago openly admitted to his own use of marijuana while in Europe, says he's not "pro marijuana" but in favor of discussing the laws that affect the 830,000 Americans who are arrested annually under existing marijuana laws. About 90 percent of the arrests are for possession.
Because the arrests disproportionately affect minorities and can have severe consequences for possessing as little as 40 grams (roughly the equivalent of two packs of cigarettes), the state ACLU received funding from the organization's national headquarters to create an informational program which they hope will be aired on television stations and the Internet.
Washington was considered a good state to launch a campaign to discuss marijuana laws because it's been on the cutting edge of drug legislation, having approved a law allowing medical marijuana use in 1998.
"We need the understanding to go beyond 'hard' or 'soft' on drugs and find a policy that is smart on drugs," Steves said. The existing drug policy is causing more problems than it solves, he said.
Some $7.5 billion is spent annually for marijuana law enforcement nationally. The arrests clog the courts and criminal-justice system, diverting resources from more serious crimes, according to the ACLU study.
Nancy Bartley: 206-464-8522 or nbartley@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 02:24 PM
DC sniper's Muhammad's execution set for tonight
UPDATE - 01:58 PM
DOD worker assessed Fort Hood suspect months ago
UPDATE - 02:23 PM
Obama salutes Fort Hood victims, condemns murders
UPDATE - 02:24 PM
White House: Obama eyeing host of Afghan choices
UPDATE - 02:23 PM
North, South Korea clash at sea before Obama visit

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Huskies are finding talent in Tacoma
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
263 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
208 - King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
197 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
190 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
130 - Time to bring Ken Griffey Jr. back in 2010
98 - 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
92 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
85 - DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
80 - Obama pressed into role as national healer
78
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Rainier Pacific Financial calls rescue 'unlikely'





