Friedman: Decriminalize marijuana

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Texas gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman said he favors measures to decriminalize marijuana and rehabilitation for those imprisoned for related crimes.

Friedman, a musician, humorist and author, said the measure would be aimed at clearing nonviolent offenders out of the prisons, the Houston Chronicle reported Thursday.

"We've got to clear some of the room out of the prisons so we can put the bad guys in there, like the pedophiles and the politicians," said Friedman.

The outspoken independent candidate said he has not yet worked out the specifics of the policy but he does not support making marijuana legally available for purchase.

"I agree with (U.S. Sen.) John McCain that we've lost the drug war," Friedman told the Chronicle. "Drugs are more available, they're cheaper.

"It's clear to me; if you've lost the war on drugs then you've got to go some other direction. You can't keep banging your head against the wall."