Pubdate: Sun, 19 Oct 2003
Source: Johnson City Press (TN)
Copyright: 2003 Johnson City Press and Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1983
Author: Jose Melendez
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1540/a06.html

SERIOUS DENIAL

EDITOR:

Kirk Muse is correct that legalizing drugs would reduce
profiteering by those on both sides of the law.

Geoffrey Davies of the National Drug Prevention Alliance sounds like
one of those who makes his career or hobby out of the habitual
incarceration of certain drugs, just not the deadliest, most addictive
ones.

For example, the experiment Davies describes, making drugs of known
quality available for pennies to imprisoned drug dealers, is already
in place.

The drugs are nicotine and caffeine. Both are far more dangerous to
use than marijuana, and many have credibly demonstrated that the
former is tougher to quit than heroin.

The countries that have experimented with heroin and cannabis
decriminalization consistently have reported lower youth use rates. If
you don't believe it, then go ahead, have another drink to wash down
those pills.

You're in denial anyway.

Jose Melendez

DeLand, Fla.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin