It may be time for the U.S. to consider legalizing marijuana instead of reclassifying it as a Schedule III drug. It should still be treated as a controlled substance like alcohol, but not be put on the list of scheduled drugs. It is far less dangerous than alcohol, which is a poison.

By regulating and taxing marijuana — as the state does with alcohol — there would be strict government oversight and added revenue. Federal taxation of marijuana could be a significant moneymaker.

That would also encourage people who have not used it due to existing prohibitions to give it a try and test its purported health benefits.

Stuart Shimazu

Kapahulu

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