Pubdate: Sat, 23 Apr 2005
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2005 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300
Author: Robert Sharpe

DRUG WAR DOOMED TO FAIL

Attempts to limit the supply of drugs while demand remains constant
only increase the profitability of drug trafficking. For addictive
drugs like heroin, a spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to
increase criminal activity to feed desperate habits.

Taxing and regulating cannabis, the most popular illicit drug, is a
cost-effective alternative to the drug war. While cannabis
distribution remains in the hands of organised crime, consumers will
continue to come into contact with sellers of hard drugs.

Given that cannabis is arguably safer than legal alcohol it makes no
sense to waste tax revenue on failed policies that finance organised
crime and facilitate the use of hard drugs.

ROBERT SHARPE

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington DC USA
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