Pubdate: Thu, 24 Nov 2005
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)

TOUGH U.S. MARIJUANA LAWS HAVE PROVED A FLOP

Columnist John Martin of the University College of the Fraser Valley 
warns readers not to fall for the "tough penalties don't deter" myth.

He claims marijuana grow-ops aren't a problem in Washington state 
because of mandatory minimum prison sentences.

But the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration lists Washington among 
the leading U.S. states for indoor grow-ops.

Mandatory minimums have given the former land of the free the dubious 
distinction of the highest incarceration rate in the world. But they 
haven't stopped marijuana grow-ops.

Consumers aren't deterred by zero-tolerance either.

Based on findings that criminal records are inappropriate as health 
interventions and ineffective as deterrents, a majority of European 
Union countries have decriminalized marijuana.

Despite marijuana prohibition and perhaps because of forbidden-fruit 
appeal, lifetime use of marijuana is higher in the U.S. than any 
European country.

Perhaps Mr. Martin should rethink that myth.

Robert Sharpe,

Arlington, Va.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman