Pot and public safety

Re “Should we tax pot?” Opinion, Dec. 4

Patt Morrison says legalizing marijuana wouldn’t necessarily eliminate pot-related crime because there still might be a black market -- as there is with legal alcohol and tobacco. Though that may be true, without question the majority of the criminal market would disappear.

What consumer wouldn’t be willing to pay a slight premium for the convenience of purchasing marijuana from a safe and regulated facility instead of running the risk of being hurt or killed in an illegal drug deal on the streets?

As a former Oakland community prosecutor, I certainly would never argue that marijuana is completely benign or that more people should use it. But what I do know is that the most dangerous thing about marijuana is that it’s illegal.

Public safety will be improved immensely when we bankrupt most of the criminals who control marijuana cultivation and profits.

James Anthony

Oakland