Pubdate: Sat, 20 Aug 2005
Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Copyright: 2005 Sun-Sentinel Company
Contact:  http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159
Author: Redford Givens
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1327/a04.html

'72 REPORT ON MARIJUANA IGNORED

Re Michael Mayo's Aug. 16 column, "An ounce of pot, 10 bullets and one
failed drug war":

Obviously, no one in Broward County knows about the 1972 National
Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse report, "Marihuana: A Signal of
Misunderstanding." (commissioned by President Richard M. Nixon)

This study stated, "We believe that the criminal law is too harsh a
tool to apply to personal possession [of marijuana] even in the effort
to discourage use=85.

"The actual and potential harm of use of the drug is not great enough
to justify intrusion by the criminal law into private behavior."

The commission recommended that marijuana be legalized for private,
personal use.

Nevertheless, for 33 years politicians and police, addicted to drug
war posturing instead of tending to the real needs of their
constituents, have refused to listen to this study.

The idea of inflicting punishments more severe than the effects of
drug use is a crime against humanity. Especially when the "collateral
damage" is measured in dead bodies of nonviolent drug users.

Redford Givens

WebmasterDRCNet Online Library of Drug Policy

San Francisco
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin