Pubdate: Mon, 24 Mar 2014
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2014 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n259/a01.html

REGULATED MARKET WITH AGE CONTROLS

Editor: (Re: Wayne Young column -- Fine, decriminalize or legalize 
marijuana etc.).

There is a big difference between condoning marijuana use and 
protecting children from drugs. Decriminalization acknowledges the 
social reality of marijuana and spares users lifelong criminal 
records. What's really needed is a legally regulated market with age 
controls. Separating the hard and soft drug markets is critical.

As long as organized crime controls marijuana distribution, consumers 
will come into contact with sellers of hard drugs like cocaine, meth 
and heroin. Marijuana prohibition is a gateway drug policy. It makes 
no sense to waste tax dollars on failed marijuana policies that 
finance organized crime and facilitate the use of hard drugs.

Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst,

Common Sense for Drug Policy,

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom