Pubdate: Thu, 10 Oct 2013
Source: Boston Herald (MA)
Copyright: 2013 The Boston Herald, Inc
Contact:  http://news.bostonherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/53
Note: Prints only very short LTEs.
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n490/a06.html

GENIE'S OUT OF BOTTLE

Regarding Dr. Robert Petrella's opinion piece, there is a big 
difference between condoning marijuana use and protecting children 
from drugs ("Don't let the genie out of the bag," Oct. 6). 
Decriminalization acknowledges the social reality of marijuana and 
spares users criminal records. What's really needed is a regulated 
market with age controls.

As long as violent drug cartels control marijuana distribution, 
consumers will come into contact with hard drugs like cocaine and 
heroin. Therefore, marijuana prohibition is a "gateway drug" policy. 
Separating the hard and soft drug markets is critical.

- - Robert Sharpe, Washington, D.C.

The writer is policy analyst for Common Sense for Drug Policy.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom