Pubdate: Sun, 02 Dec 2012
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2012 The Dallas Morning News, Inc.
Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/cgi-bin/lettertoed.cgi
Website: http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Suzanne Wills
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n607/a07.html

DON'T JUST DECRIMINALIZE

Re: Meeting Of The Presidents - Drug strategy should be part of conversation

I applaud the editorial board for confronting the destructive results 
of the drug war and calling for "more realistic marijuana policies." 
It is far past time.

I am mystified by how "decriminalizing consumption" might "remove 
mega-profits from illicit trade." Decriminalization would save tax 
dollars because police would be handing out tickets for marijuana 
possession instead of making arrests. There would be further savings 
for the courts and the jails. Decriminalization would make us all 
safer because police would have more time to pursue serious crime.

The production, distribution and sale of drugs would still be in the 
hands of criminals. The megaprofits would not be removed. Only 
legalization and regulation could do that.

Suzanne Wills, Drug Policy

Forum of Texas, Dallas
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