Pubdate: Thu, 13 Oct 2011
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2011 Robert Sharpe
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n619/a09.html

MARIJUANA PROHIBITION IS A GATEWAY DRUG POLICY

Re: "Echoes of Prohibition in nation's pot policies," Oct. 8 Vincent 
Carroll column.

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 President 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 necessarily a good thing.

Marijuana prohibition is a gateway drug policy.

Robert Sharpe, Arlington, Va. The writer is a policy analyst for 
Common Sense for Drug Policy.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom