New York Times Calls for Legalizing Pot

In the first part of an editorial series titled "High Time: An Editorial Series on Marijuana Legalization," the editorial board of The New York Times on Saturday called for repeal of the ban on marijuana.

The editorial, supported by a series of six background pieces scheduled to appear through Aug. 5, declares: "The federal government should repeal the ban on marijuana."

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The editorial compares the marijuana ban to Prohibition of the early 20th Century, but says that pot is "far less dangerous than alcohol."

The Gray Lady's editorial board acknowledged "legitimate concerns about marijuana on the development of adolescent brains," and called to make marijuana legal only for those 21 or older.

While expressing doubt that a busy Congress will take up the issue soon, the editorial said it is "long past time" to repeal the four-decade-old pot prohibition.

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