Pubdate: Tue, 11 Jun 2002
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2002 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Robert Sharpe

METH LAB LAW WILL ONLY WORSEN DRUG-RELATED CRIME

Re: "Owens signs law targeting meth labs; Governor calls drug "scourge, 
sickness,' " June 7 news story.

Gov. Bill Owens' tough-on-drugs response to the methamphetamine "scourge" 
is a threat to public safety. Attempts to limit the supply of illegal drugs 
while demand remains constant only increases the profitability of drug 
trafficking. In terms of addictive drugs like meth, a spike in street 
prices leads desperate addicts to increase criminal activity to feed 
desperate habits. The drug war doesn't fight crime, it fuels crime.

Colorado's hazardous methamphetamine labs are 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 recruit minors immune to adult sentences.

Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is a 
cost-effective alternative to the never-ending drug war. Marijuana may be 
relatively harmless compared to alcohol, but marijuana prohibition is deadly.

Drug policy reform may send the wrong message to children, but I like to 
think the children themselves are more important than the message. 
Tough-on-drugs politicians would no doubt disagree.

ROBERT SHARPE

Washington, D.C.

The writer is a program officer for the Drug Policy Alliance.
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