Writer agrees on marijuana legalization

Referencing Randall Gann's letter ('People are willing to pay a tax,” Aug. 20) in which he enumerated the tax benefits to the state of Oregon from the sale of marijuana - taxes that generated needed money for education, police and other public services.

Other states have also followed suit, alleviating taxpayers' burden. Another benefit, which the news show '60 Minutes” highlighted, is a study done on Colorado's legalization of recreational marijuana. The study found use of opioids dropped 30 percent.

Legalization of marijuana in Iowa could significantly aid in reducing the cost of addiction to opioids, save lives and generate needed funding for rehab and uninsured hospitalization of those addicted. Use of marijuana for medical maladies has shown promise and, if our government would allow legalization and more research (like Israel has for decades), who knows who else would benefit.

Noralee Sherwood

Cedar Rapids