Pubdate: Wed, 19 Apr 2000
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2000 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  Private Bag 4722, Christchurch, New Zealand
Fax: 3-364-8238
Website: http://www.press.co.nz/
Author: Alan Randell
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n441/a04.html

PROHIBITION HAS SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

Sir-Margie Brown (April 3) courageously tells of the pain and anguish she
suffered because of her son's cannabis use and urges that the drug remain
prohibited.

With the greatest respect towards Ms Brown, I believe she is mistaken.

Imposing a ban may persuade some not to try a particular drug, but for many
others, especially the young, it will only increase their desire for "the
forbidden fruit".

But there is another more serious consequence of prohibition.

The only way a prospective user can obtain a supply of a banned drug is from
the black market, which means that the drug is often contaminated and of
unknown purity and is therefore more harmful than if it had not been
prohibited in the first place.

I am thankful that Mrs Brown's son is alive. My wife and I lost our youngest
son to street heroin in early 1993.

ALAN RANDELL
Canada
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