Pubdate: Sun, 12 Aug 2012 Source: Boston Globe (MA) Copyright: 2012 Globe Newspaper Company Contact: http://services.bostonglobe.com/news/opeds/letter.aspx?id=6340 Website: http://bostonglobe.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52 Author: Robert Sharpe Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n385/a04.html A LEGALIZED MARKETPLACE IS PREFERABLE Regarding Tom Keane's Aug. 5 op-ed "The `medical' sham," it's true that anyone in California who wants a medical marijuana recommendation can get one. The recommendation allows consumers to purchase locally grown marijuana of known quality and safety from dispensaries that generate tax revenue. As long as there is a demand for marijuana, there will be a supply. Is it somehow preferable that consumers purchase untaxed marijuana from Mexican drug cartels that also sell cocaine, meth, and heroin? Robert Sharpe Policy analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington - --- MAP posted-by: Matt