Pubdate: Sun, 22 Oct 2006
Source: Daily Camera (Boulder, CO)
Copyright: 2006 The Daily Camera.
Contact:  http://www.dailycamera.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/103
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1360/a05.html
Author: Devin Nordberg

EDITORIAL WRONG ON AMENDMENT 44

I might accept the Camera's position against Amendment 44, (editorial,
Oct. 10) if you didn't get so many basic facts wrong.

You describe Amendment 44 as a "push to decriminalize possession of
less than an ounce of marijuana," but according to Colorado state law,
this is already decriminalized, with a maximum fine of $100. Amendment
44 would merely eliminate the $100 fine.

The myths that 1) cannabis is much more potent today than 30 years
ago, 2) cannabis is a "gateway drug" and 3) legalization will increase
use by minors have all been thoroughly debunked. You only need a few
minutes of Internet research and a level head. Start with LEAP (Law
Enforcement Against Prohibition) or the Drug Policy Alliance.

Boston and Boulder (the two cities with the highest per capita
marijuana use) are great places to live, and they'd be even better if
law enforcement were directed toward important public-safety issues
like drunken driving instead of reefer madness.

Devin Nordberg

Boulder
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake