Pubdate: Sat, 08 Jan 2011
Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO)
Copyright: 2011 The Gazette
Contact: http://www.gazette.com/sections/opinion/submitletter/
Website: http://www.gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165
Author: Wayne Laugesen, For the editorial board
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?277 (Cannabis - Medicinal -  Colorado)

AG STRETCHES DRUG INDICTMENT TOO FAR

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers knows all about scam artists. 
As a passionate defender of the public, he warns us about them 
routinely. A typical consumer advisory he issued in February of 2008 
warned consumers and businesses of an e-mail scam. Suspected 
criminals pretended they represented the United States Department of 
Justice and made demands on e-mail recipients.

In his warning, Suthers did not draw a nexus between the criminals 
and the Department of Justice. To do so would have been absurd.

In January of 2006, Suthers warned consumers about a telemarketing 
scam involving criminals who pretended they were from the "Colorado 
Department of Health." His warning condemned the criminals; not 
health departments.

Suthers warned us last year of groups attempting to scam money to 
help earthquake victims in Haiti. He did not claim a nexus between 
pretend charities and legitimate charities, such as Catholic Relief 
Services or Compassion International. To do so would have been absurd.

Yet Suthers wasted no time Friday connecting a small group of 
suspected scam artists with their legal and legitimate counterparts. 
He announced the indictment of a black-market marijuana-trafficking 
ring. The indictment involves nine suspects who Suthers believes 
pretended to function as legal medical-marijuana caregivers, while 
selling the drug illegally throughout Colorado and New Mexico. It's 
much like an allegation of suspects pretending to function as a 
legitimate charity to get away with a fundraising crime.

Yet Suthers didn't give legal marijuana businesses, the people who 
pay taxes and fees and jump through hoops to remain in business, the 
same courtesy he has extended to government agencies and charities 
that criminals routinely mimic. Instead, he issued the following statement:

"This case, while disturbing, should come as no surprise to 
Coloradans who have been concerned that there is a nexus between 
Colorado's booming medical marijuana industry and illegal 
distribution of the drug," Suthers said.

Sure, just like there's a nexus between Department of Justice 
officials and criminals who pretend they're Department of Justice officials.

Suthers continued: "This case counters the contention among marijuana 
advocates and some public officials that a regulated medical 
marijuana system will undercut the illicit market for marijuana."

Not quite. The fact these criminals pretended they were legitimate 
tells us that old-fashioned drug dealers may be finding it difficult 
to function in the criminal underground. That could be a stretch, but 
it's most certainly a stretch to use this case as an indictment of 
those who have obeyed the law and sell medical marijuana legally from 
storefronts.

Congratulations to Suthers and his team for this indictment in what 
appears an important case. Just remember that it's an indictment of 
suspected criminals, not those whom they impersonated. Those people are victims.
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