Pubdate: Wed, 12 Oct 2011
Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)
Copyright: 2011 Hearst Communications Inc.
Contact: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/submissions/#1
Website: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388
Page: A14
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n619/a01.html
Author: Robert Sharpe

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

Regarding your Oct. 8 editorial "The feds' confusing crackdown," 
Mexican drug cartels are no doubt thrilled with the Obama 
administration's crackdown on voter-approved medical-marijuana dispensaries.

So much for change and 2008 campaign promises to respect states' 
rights. So much for jobs. The medical-marijuana industry is one of 
the few job creators in the current down economy.

If Obama succeeds in destroying the domestic medical-marijuana 
industry, international drug cartels will move in to meet demand and 
reap the profits. This is basic economics. As long as there is a 
demand for marijuana, there will be a supply. Replacing domestic 
growers with organized crime groups that also sell cocaine, meth and 
heroin is not a good thing. Marijuana prohibition is a gateway drug policy.

Robert Sharpe,

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Arlington, Va.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart