Pubdate: Wed, 29 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: Wayne Phillips
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n154/a10.html?1157

REASONS FOR RETAINING PROHIBITION

Regarding: The gateway theory, Feb. 22.

The problem with Ted Dever's prohibitionist rhetoric (beyond the
obvious, that marijuana induces biochemical changes in the brain -
it's why people use marijuana) is that the 'gateway theory' is conjecture.

DEA Administrative Law Judge Francis Young said in 1988 that, 'In
strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we
commonly consume . . . Marijuana in its natural form is one of the
safest therapeutically active substances known to man.

The 'gateway theory' which says all marijuana users go on to hard
drugs has been debunked over and over again. It is nothing more than
an attempt to make people fear marijuana. The only reason any
association between marijuana and cocaine exists is because of drug
prohibition.

What is more perplexing is the propensity of various (U.S.)
governmental agencies to be involved in drug trafficking. In April of
1989, the Kerry Committee report, an investigation by the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee regarding charges of Contra involvement in
cocaine and marijuana trafficking found that:

The report cited legal cover provided by the CIA to anti-Sandinista
rebels in the drug trade as well as accounting for $806,000 paid by
the State Department to "four companies owned and operated by
narcotics traffickers." The Subcommittee found that Contra drug links
included:

Involvement in narcotics trafficking by individuals associated with
the Contra movement.

Participation of narcotics traffickers in Contra supply operations
through business relationships with Contra organizations.

Provision of assistance to the Contras by narcotics traffickers,
including cash, weapons, planes, pilots, air supply services and other
materials, on a voluntary basis by traffickers.

Payments to drug traffickers by U.S. State Department.Funds authorized
by Congress for humanitarian assistance to the Contras, in some cases
after traffickers had been indicted by federal law enforcement
agencies on drug charges, in others while traffickers were under
active investigation by these same agencies.

Drug warriors clearly have more than altruistic reasons for retaining
drug prohibition.

Wayne Phillips

Hamilton, Ont.
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.