Pubdate: Thu, 23 Nov 2006
Source: Santa Monica Mirror (CA)
Copyright: 2006 Santa Monica Mirror
Contact:  http://www.smmirror.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/970
Author: Robert Sharpe
Note: Title added by Newshawk

MARIJUANA LAWS BASED ON CULTURE, NOT SCIENCE

If health outcomes determined drug laws instead of cultural norms, 
marijuana would be legal.  Unlike alcohol, marijuana has never been 
shown to cause an overdose death, nor does it share the addictive 
properties of tobacco.  Marijuana can be harmful if abused, but jail 
cells are inappropriate as health interventions and ineffective as deterrents.

The first marijuana laws were enacted in response to Mexican 
migration during the early 1900s, despite opposition from the 
American Medical Association.  Dire warnings that marijuana inspires 
homicidal rages have been counterproductive at best.  White Americans 
did not even begin to smoke pot until a soon-to-be entrenched 
government bureaucracy began funding reefer madness propaganda.

By raiding voter-approved medical marijuana providers in California, 
the very same U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration that claims 
illicit drug use funds terrorism is forcing cancer and AIDS patients 
into the hands of street dealers.  Apparently marijuana prohibition 
is more important than protecting the country from terrorism.

Sincerely,

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, DC
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine