Pubdate: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU) Copyright: 2001 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.montrealgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274 Author: Robert Sharpe Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n698/a13.html DOESN'T FIGHT CRIME BUT FUELS IT I respectfully disagree with your conclusion that regulation is not the answer (Editorial, April 21, "Fight drugs, not trade"). A middle-ground approach is necessary. Taxing and regulating marijuana would separate the hard and soft drug markets and eliminate the gateway to drugs like cocaine and heroin. Establishing strict age controls is critical. Right now, kids have an easier time buying pot than beer. Drug policies require a harm-reduction approach minimizing both the negative consequences of drug use and drug laws. The crime, corruption and overdose deaths attributed to illegal drugs are all direct results of drug prohibition. With alcohol prohibition repealed, American liquor producers no longer gun each other down in drive-by shootings, nor do consumers go blind drinking unregulated bathtub gin. Attempts to limit the supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only increase the profitability of drug trafficking. In terms of addictive drugs like heroin, a temporary rise in street prices leads desperate addicts to increase criminal activity to feed desperate habits. Make no mistake, the drug war doesn't fight crime; it fuels crime. Drug-policy reform might send the wrong message to children, but I like to think the children themselves are more important than the message. Opportunistic tough-on-drugs politicians would no doubt disagree. Robert Sharpe, Lindesmith Centre-Drug Policy Foundation, Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D