Pubdate: Sat, 26 Nov 2011
Source: Wall Street Journal (US)
Copyright: 2011 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wsj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n667/a03.html

DEAL A BLOW TO THE DRUG WAR BY LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

Mr. Cardoso is right about marijuana legalization reducing drug use. 
The so-called gateway to hard drugs is a direct result of marijuana 
prohibition. As long as marijuana distribution is dominated by 
criminal organizations that sell cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, 
the gateway will remain open. The experience of European countries 
that have decriminalized marijuana suggests that fears of increased 
marijuana use are unfounded.

The dearth of U.S. leadership is inexcusable. More Massachusetts 
residents voted for marijuana decriminalization in 2008 than voted 
for Barack Obama. Despite majority public support for medical 
marijuana, President Obama has reneged on a campaign promise to 
respect states' rights. While Congress grapples with defense and 
entitlement cuts, a federal crackdown on state medical marijuana 
dispensaries is in full force. Mexican drug cartels are the prime 
beneficiaries of this misguided effort.

Robert Sharpe Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom