Pubdate: Sat, 01 Dec 2001
Source: Springfield News-Leader (MO)
Copyright: 2001 The Springfield News-Leader
Contact:  http://www.springfieldnews-leader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1129
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?155 (Lindesmith Center)

POLICIES SPAWN BLACK MARKET

The methamphetamine lab explosion that injured two Springfield men 
this week is reminiscent of the deadly exploding liquor stills that 
sprung up throughout the nation during alcohol prohibition.

Drug policies modeled after alcohol prohibition have given rise to a 
youth-oriented black market.

Illegal drug dealers don't ID for age, but they do push highly 
profitable addictive drugs like meth. Taxing and regulating 
marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is a cost-effective 
alternative to the $50 billion drug war.

There is a big difference between condoning marijuana use and 
protecting children from drugs. Decriminalization acknowledges the 
social reality of marijuana use and frees users from the stigma of 
life-shattering criminal records.

What's really needed is a regulated market with enforceable age 
controls. Right now kids have an easier time buying pot than beer.

More disturbing is the manner in which marijuana's black-market 
status exposes users to sellers of hard drugs. Marijuana may be 
relatively harmless compared with legal alcohol - the plant has never 
been shown to cause an overdose death - but marijuana prohibition is 
deadly.

As long as marijuana distribution remains in the hands of organized 
crime, consumers will continue to come into contact with hard drugs 
like meth.

Robert Sharpe program officer, Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy 
Foundation Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Josh