Pubdate: Thu, 07 Jan 2010
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: John Chase
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n015/a03.html

PROHIBITION ON POT IS ALSO BOUND FOR FAILURE

Re: 'Canada's Pot Conundrum' (Daily News, Jan. 5)

It is a mistake to see decriminalization as the middle ground between
prohibition and legalization. (That's assuming that decriminalization
means we let smokers smoke but arrest growers, transporters and sellers.)

In the 1920s Americans arrested bootleggers, not drinkers. It was a
disaster because it excited the illegal market.

Constricting supply increased the profit of the illegal market,
drawing in more violent men to the trade. We finally ended national
prohibition 76 years ago and have not had one serious proposal to go
back.

Does anyone expect cannabis to be different?

John Chase

Palm Harbor, Fl. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D