We can do that by decriminalizing marijuana. That is, making the offense similar to a traffic ticket. We don't need to legalize the drug to free up law enforcement and/or the courts.
"... scaled back the size and scope of the Federal Leviathan ..."
No effect.
The DEA is involved in about 1% of marijuana arrests -- 99% of the arrests are by local law enforcement.
The federal drug war component will not change by legalizing just marijuana, since it will remain in place for the remaining illegal drugs.
That'd be a start...
"... scaled back the size and scope of the Federal Leviathan ..."
"No effect. The DEA is involved in about 1% of marijuana arrests -- 99% of the arrests are by local law enforcement."
Explain again to me why we need a DEA then?!
"The federal drug war component will not change by legalizing just marijuana, since it will remain in place for the remaining illegal drugs."
However, we will be beginning the process of dealing with these more serious drugs via the voluntary RandomDrugTesting program we'll have instituted. And marijuana is such a harmless drug compared to money-suckers like Coke and life-ruiners like Heroine, Crack and the like.
Seriesly, though, I think we can expect drug-related crime to decrease once pot is decriminalized, and the law enforcement agencies presently tasked with enforcing these laws can either be disbanded or assigned to other more pressing duties.
FReegards...MUD