Pubdate: Fri, 26 Oct 2012
Source: Grand Junction Free Press (CO)
Copyright: 2012 Grand Junction Free Press
Contact:  http://www.gjfreepress.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4327
Author: Robert Sharpe

AMENDMENT 64 PROVIDES A REGULATED MARKET WITH AGE CONTROLS

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
criminal records. What's really needed is a regulated market with age
controls as provided for by Amendment 64.

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 easily less harmful than legal alcohol. 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, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Matt