Pubdate: Sat, 16 Mar 2013
Source: Baltimore Sun (MD)
Copyright: 2013 The Baltimore Sun Company
Contact:  http://www.baltimoresun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/37
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n113/a05.html

MARIJUANA IS HARMLESS, BUT PROHIBITING IT IS DEADLY

Regarding your editorial on the proposed legalization of medical
marijuana in Maryland, it's true that anyone in California who wants a
medical marijuana recommendation can get one ("Due caution," March
12). The recommendation allows consumers to purchase locally grown
marijuana of known quality and safety from dispensaries that generate
tax revenue.

That's a good thing. So-called medical marijuana abuses are not to be
feared. It's the status quo that's scary. As long as there is a demand
for marijuana, there will be a supply.

Is it somehow preferable that consumers purchase untaxed, unregulated
and potentially unsafe marijuana from criminals? Marijuana prohibition
keeps violent drug cartels in business. When cartels control marijuana
distribution, consumers are exposed to illegal cocaine, meth and heroin.

This "gateway" is a direct result of marijuana's illegal status.
Marijuana may be relatively harmless, but marijuana prohibition is
deadly.

Robert Sharpe

The writer is a policy analyst for the public interest group Common
Sense for Drug Policy.
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MAP posted-by: Matt