As I stated in the California State Prisons section, The continued criminalization of Marijuana use and sale is costly and unnecessary. I believe that we should instead treat it in the same manner as we do alcohol. Regulations and taxes on purchase as well as regulations concerning driving after use should be put into place. First, this would help in additional tax income for the state. Second, it would lessen the burden on our overcrowded state prison system. As to claims that Marijuana is a gateway drug, I do not believe this to be true. I have personally known quite a few people that have used Marijuana, yet most of these people have not gone on to more harmful drugs. In my opinion, those that had would have anyways whether or not they had used Marijuana or not. Finally, for those who think that I may just be a pothead trying to legalize drugs I have a message, I have never and never will do an illegal drug. I just see this as unnecessary burden that we have put on our state.