LENOX, Mass. — Lee Scott Laugenour, candidate for state representative in the 4th Berkshire District, endorsed the legalization of marijuana.

Laugenour commented Tuesday within a discussion thread on the subject of marijuana legalization. Last week, he responded to a candidate questionnaire from the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition, answering YES to the following two questions:

Laugenour's posting follows and can also be read with commentary here:

It's time for marijuana to be legalized, removed from the black market so that production and trade can be regulated and taxed similarly to the manner in which alcohol is made available to consumers.  Let's allow our communities' entrepreneurs to apply for licenses so that they may expand their business and profit from the sale of marijuana and related paraphernalia, and let's collect fair and reasonable excise taxes on it.

I invite readers who arrived this page directly from my Web site to follow the postings and conversation that precede my comment on this thread, particularly the discussion about whether a position like mine, being in favor of marijuana legalization, is inconsistent with opposition to casino development.  I have stated previously that I am opposed to the casino development proposals in Massachusetts and remain so. This opposition is grounded in the belief that casinos result in net job loss and that as tax revenue sources they are regressive.  I have no problem with anyone who wants to gamble, but large big-business casino development is community busting and is a lousy basis for a jobs and tax policy.

I hope the discussion continues; I'm happy to be on record in support of marijuana legalization.  When elected to represent the 4th Berkshire District I will advocate for it. Those interested in learning more about the issue can visit the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition at  www.masscann.org.