Pubdate: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 Source: Columbian, The (WA) Copyright: 2002 The Columbian Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.columbian.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92 Author: Robert Sharpe Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n292/a09.html DRUG WAR IS FAILING Jeffrey Brockway's Feb. 19 opinion was appropriately titled, "Ecstacy just the latest drug threat." Unfortunately, it won't be the last until politicians acknowledge the drug war's inherent failure. Drug policies modeled after our disastrous experiment with alcohol prohibition have given rise to a youth-oriented, illicit market. Illegal drug dealers recruit minors who are immune to adult sentences. 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 age controls. At present, kids have an easier time buying pot than beer. More disturbing is the manner in which marijuana's illegal status exposes users to sellers of hard drugs. Marijuana may be relatively harmless compared to alcohol, 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. Robert Sharpe, Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel