Last week, voters in several states considered initiatives that would either decriminalize, or, in the case of a Nevada resolution, legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Some initiatives were successful and others failed, but that they were even on the ballot shows there is a growing movement to reduce the harsh penalties imposed on convicted marijuana users. Marijuana has long been considered a Class A substance, making its possession as egregious a crime as possession of heroin or cocaine. But, its usage should be equated with that of tobacco and alcohol, rather than that of harder drugs. World Health Organization studies concluded, "On existing patterns of use, cannabis poses a much less serious public health problem than is currently posed by alcohol and tobacco in Western societies." Marijuana should be legalized - or at the very least decriminalized - and be regulated and taxed by the federal and individual state governments.

Other countries have taken steps to reduce the number of prisoners incarcerated for marijuana usage. The Netherlands has gone as far as to legalize marijuana, even allowing it to be smoked at coffee shops. This summer, British Prime Minister Tony Blair lent support to the decriminalization movement in England. Meanwhile, the Bush administration continues to enforce draconian measures for drug offenses.

These drug laws are often only selectively enforced, leading to some racial minorities being imprisoned at a much higher rate than whites, for the same violations. Federal seizures, less common in the Clinton years are being revived by John Walters, President Bush's new drug czar. This has angered California attorney general Bill Lockyer and government officials.

Time Magazine, in a recent article debunked myths about negative effects of marijuana usage. Moreover, in the cases in which there were adverse health effects, the amount of marijuana that was required to induce the problem was asinine. Compare the relatively, but not entirely, benign effects of marijuana on the body to the devastating effects of alcohol with comparable consumption, it is puzzling why the latter is legal and the former is taboo.

Studies have shown that marijuana can alleviate chronic pain. Cannabis-buying clubs exist in California to aid the distribution of marijuana to people with terminal illnesses, which is lawful in California and seven other states. The federal government, however, continues to raid these buying clubs, arresting organizers. Yet, constitutional issues remain in question. On Oct. 29, a federal appeals court ruled it is unconstitutional to punish doctors who recommend marijuana usage to the sick and dying. In San Francisco last week, voters authorized the city to explore the possibility of establishing a medical marijuana growing and distribution program.

The Nevada resolution, which would have allowed citizens to possess three ounces of marijuana for personal use, failed, gaining 39 percent of the vote. This result does indicate, however, that a significant portion of voters agreed with legalizing the possession of marijuana. Contrary to popular perception, Nevada is rather conservative, with a Republican governor who refused to take a position on the initiative. In a more liberal state, perhaps the measure would have passed. A University of Nevada-Las Vegas study estimated Nevada could gain $28.6 million a year in tax revenue if the proposition had passed.

In addition to increasing state revenue, regulation of marijuana - like that of alcohol and tobacco - would ensure a safe product for consumers. Then, health problems from impure marijuana, which may be laced with cocaine and other harmful drugs, could be avoided. Enforcing age restrictions would help stop sales to minors.

In Massachusetts, local measures passed in 19 districts, asking state representatives to make marijuana possession a civil, rather than criminal, violation. We hope that legislators take these voters' opinions into consideration. In the future, more state and local governments should allow voters to choose whether to decriminalize, or even legalize marijuana. Popular consideration, instead of government prohibition is appropriate in this case.