Pubdate: Thu, 3 Jun 2010
Source: Flint Journal (MI)
Copyright: 2010 Flint Journal
Contact: http://www.mlive.com/mailforms/fljournal/letters/
Website: http://www.mlive.com/flint/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/836
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n402/a01.html

REGULATED MARIJUANA SHOULD EXTEND TO ADULT RECREATIONAL USE

Regarding "Our Voice: May medical marijuana dispensaries get the test
case they seek," May 30:

Not only should medical marijuana be made available to patients in
need, but adult recreational use should be regulated. Drug policies
modeled after alcohol prohibition have given rise to a youth-oriented
black market. Illegal drug dealers don't ID for age, but they do
recruit minors immune to adult sentences. So much for protecting the
children.

Throwing more money at the problem is no solution. Attempts to limit
the supply of illegal 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. The drug war
doesn't fight crime, it fuels crime.

Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is a
cost-effective alternative to never-ending drug war. As long as
marijuana distribution is controlled by organized crime, consumers
will continue to come into contact with hard drugs like cocaine and
heroin. This "gateway" is a direct result of marijuana prohibition.

Robert Sharpe, policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy, Washington, D.C.
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