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.
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