Pubdate: Wed, 15 Feb 2012
Source: Sooke News Mirror (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Sooke News Mirror
Contact:  http://www.sookenewsmirror.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2142
Author: Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n115/a06.html?1155

MARIJUANA IS A REALITY

Regarding your thoughtful Feb. 8 editorial, there is a big difference
between condoning marijuana use and protecting children from drugs.

Decriminalization acknowledges the social reality of marijuana and
frees users from the stigma of life-shattering criminal records.
What's really needed is a regulated market with age controls.

Separating the hard and soft drug markets is critical. As long as
organized crime controls marijuana distribution, consumers will
continue to come into contact with sellers of hard drugs like cocaine
and heroin.

This "gateway" is a direct result of marijuana prohibition.

Marijuana is less harmful than legal alcohol; the plant has never been
shown to cause an overdose death. It makes no sense to waste tax
dollars on failed marijuana policies that finance organized crime and
facilitate the use of hard drugs. Drug policy reform may send the
wrong message to children, but I like to think the children are more
important than the message.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, DC
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.