Pubdate: Mon, 18 Aug 2014
Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Copyright: 2014 Sun-Sentinel Company
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/mVLAxQfA
Website: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159
Author: Robert Sharpe

ALLOW LEGAL POT USE

Regarding Barney Bishop's Aug. 1 op-ed, "Amendment 2 not about relief,
it's about getting high":

It's true that anyone in California who wants a medical marijuana
recommendation can get one.

The medical recommendation allows consumers to purchase locally grown
marijuana of known quality and safety from dispensaries that generate
tax revenue. Is it somehow preferable that Florida consumers purchase
untaxed, unregulated and potentially unsafe marijuana from criminals?

As long as there is a demand for marijuana, there will be a supply.
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
the marijuana plant's illegal status.

Marijuana may be relatively harmless, but marijuana prohibition is
deadly.

Robert Sharpe, Common Sense for Drug Policy, Washington, DC
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MAP posted-by: Matt