Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jul 2012
Source: Roanoke Times (VA)
Copyright: 2012 Roanoke Times
Contact:  http://www.roanoke.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/368
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n359/a09.html

PROHIBITION DOESN'T WORK

Re: Your July 23 editorial ("Synthetic drug manufactures concern"):

The use of synthetic marijuana is an unintended side effect of the war
on natural marijuana. Consumers are turning to potentially toxic drugs
made in China and sold as research chemicals before being repackaged
as legal incense.

Expanding the drug war will do little other than add to what is
already the highest incarceration rate in the world. Chinese chemists
will tweak formulas to stay one step ahead of the law and two steps
ahead of the drug tests. New versions won't be safer. Misguided
efforts to protect children from drugs are putting children at risk.

A better solution is to legalize natural marijuana. Unlike alcohol,
marijuana has never been shown to cause an overdose death, nor does it
share the addictive properties of tobacco. Taxing and regulating
marijuana would eliminate the demand for synthetic marijuana, provide
consumers with a comparatively safe alternative to alcohol and close
the gateway to hard drugs by taking marijuana distribution out of the
hands of violent drug cartels.

Marijuana may be relatively harmless, but marijuana prohibition is
deadly.

ROBERT SHARPE Board Member Virginia Chapter of the National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws ARLINGTON
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MAP posted-by: Matt