Pubdate: Wed, 26 Sep 2012
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n465/a09.html

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION DEBATE CREATES BUZZ

Re: Fix B. C.' s ' drug problem' by legalizing marijuana, Opinion, Sept. 21

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 as provided for by BC's Sensible Policing Act.

Separating the hard and soft drug markets is critical. The marijuana 
plant is relatively harmless; marijuana prohibition is deadly.

As long as drug cartels control marijuana distribution, consumers 
will come into contact with sellers of hard drugs like cocaine, meth 
and heroin. Marijuana prohibition is a gateway drug policy.

Robert Sharpe

Common Sense for Drug Policy
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