Pubdate: Wed, 16 Aug 2006
Source: Central Kentucky News Journal (Campbellsville, KY)
Copyright: 2006 Central Kentucky News Journal
Contact:  http://www.cknj.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1479
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1068/a05.html
Author: Greg Francisco

WHY LEAVE MARIJUANA UNREGULATED?

I'm puzzled by a recent letter from Karen Hayes, Campbellsville Taylor
County Anti-Drug Coalition co-chair and Central Kentucky ASAP Local
Board coordinator, (Marijuana is a Bigger Problem Than Some Think,
Aug. 13).

If marijuana use by teenagers is as dangerous as she alleges - and I'm
not saying otherwise - why does she want to leave its manufacture,
distribution and sales in the hands of criminal gangs?

By any objective measure, alcohol and tobacco are the two most
dangerous drugs in our society. Combined they kill more than 500,000
Americans every single year. We don't cede control over those
dangerous drugs to criminals. Instead, we demand they be distributed
only by licensed, legitimate businesses that check ID. Why does Ms.
Hayes want to leave marijuana completely unregulated, untaxed and
uncontrolled?

Tell me again, just how is that supposed to keep children
safe?

'Cause it sure isn't working so far.

Regulate, tax, control. There is a better way.

Greg Francisco

Educators for Sensible Drug Policies

Paw Paw, Mich.