Pubdate: Thu, 22 Dec 2011
Source: Tucson Weekly (AZ)
Copyright: 2011 Tucson Weekly
Contact:  http://www.tucsonweekly.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/462
Author: Robert Sharpe

CLOSE THE 'GATEWAY' BY REGULATING MARIJUANA

Not only should medical marijuana be made available to patients in 
need, but adult recreational use should be regulated ("Off Schedule," 
Medical MJ, Dec. 8). Drug policies modeled after alcohol prohibition 
have given rise to a youth-oriented black market.

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. The drug war doesn't fight crime; it fuels crime.

Taxing and regulating marijuana is a cost-effective alternative to 
the 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 methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.

Robert Sharpe Policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy
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