Pubdate: Wed, 08 Apr 2015
Source: Boston Herald (MA)
Copyright: 2015 The Boston Herald, Inc
Contact:  http://news.bostonherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/53
Note: Prints only very short LTEs.
Author: Michael Latulippe

BIAS IN DRUG ENFORCEMENT

The Herald's editorial misses completely the racially biased way that 
marijuana laws have been enforced in this country ("Snuff out pot 
law," March 24). That's not to mention that there is a lack of 
empirical evidence to show that smoking marijuana is harmful, much 
less harmful enough to lead to the massive numbers of related arrests 
in this country.

In general, white people aren't harassed about marijuana anywhere 
near as much as black people. A study by the American Civil Liberties 
Union found that black people are 3.7 times more likely to be 
arrested for marijuana possession than whites, even though usage 
rates are comparable between the races. Marijuana arrests skyrocketed 
over the last 20 years. There were nearly 900,000 marijuana arrests 
in 2010; that's 300,000 more than for all violent crimes put together.

This war on marijuana costs the country billions of dollars. It's not 
worth it, and the laws have not been enforced fairly.

FBI Director James Comey recently raised the racial disparities that 
continue to exist within law enforcement. He encouraged a national 
discussion on race and police bias, which is an excellent idea.

- - Michael Latulippe, president,

Cannabis Society of Massachusetts, Boston
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom