Pubdate: Wed, 25 May 2004
Source: Salmon Arm Observer (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Salmon Arm Observer
Contact:  http://www.saobserver.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1407
Author:  Kirk Muse
Referenced:  http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n763/a01.html

PROHIBITION LEADS TO HARD DRUGS

Thanks for publishing Robert Sharpe's outstanding letter: "Marijuana Versus 
Martinis" in the May 19 edition of the Observer.

I'd like to add that the so-called "gateway effect" is caused by the 
criminalization of marijuana.

Because marijuana is criminalized, it is often sold by the same people who 
also sell other, much more dangerous drugs, and offer free samples to their 
marijuana customers. This would not happen if marijuana were legal and sold 
in licensed business establishments.

It's time to close the gateway to dangerous drugs by legalizing marijuana.

Kirk Muse 
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