Pubdate: Mon, 10 Jun 2002
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Webpage: www.sacbee.com/content/opinion/letters/story/3173795p-4222517c.html
Copyright: 2002 The Sacramento Bee
Contact:  http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Sharyn Lais

DRUG WAR FANTASIES

Re " 'Reefer Madness,' the sequel: The drug czar's odd ideas," Other Views, 
May 25: The Office of National Drug Control Policy's use of tax dollars to 
spread lies and maintain a counterproductive policy based on the fantasies 
of anti-drug warriors is disturbing.

Five percent of Drug Czar John Walters' dribble is accurate. His claim that 
many of those who support the legalization of marijuana for medical 
purposes have an agenda beyond just the legalization for medicine is 
probably true in many instances.

I myself freely admit to having such an agenda. Prohibition of recreational 
drug use causes more harm than good. Most of the crime associated with drug 
use is a product of prohibition, not the drugs themselves.

However, having an agenda beyond the legalization of marijuana for medical 
uses does not negate the need to make marijuana available for seriously ill 
patients.

- - Sharyn Lais, Carmichael
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