Pubdate: Mon, 30 Nov 2015
Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ)
Copyright: 2015 The Arizona Republic
Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/sendaletter.html
Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24
Author: Chuck Cohen

PROSECUTING PEOPLE FOR POT WASTES PRECIOUS RESOURCES

I disagree that legalization of recreational cannabis should wait 
until science provides a means to objectively measure cannabis 
impairment for driving (editorial, "Another unanswered question on pot").

Legalization and DUI enforcement are distinct issues. We have the 
problem of impaired drivers arising from use of various legal and 
illegal substances, whether or not recreational cannabis is legal.

This public health and safety issue should be addressed through 
public awareness campaigns and enforcement, using the best evidence 
currently available.

However, we have the disastrous societal effects of our futile 
efforts at prohibition only as long as we continue those efforts.

Right now, precious public resources are being squandered, criminal 
enterprises are being provided opportunity, and innocent lives are 
being damaged by needless prosecution and incarceration.

Just a few pages from its editorial, The Republic reports the U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner's comments that the "root 
cause" of the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. is "insatiable demand."

That demand is not going away, whether or not we have a means to 
objectively measure cannabis impairment.

CHUCK COHEN

Phoenix
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom