Pubdate: Thu, 11 Jul 2002
Source: Detroit News (MI)
Copyright: 2002, The Detroit News
Contact:  http://detnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/126
Author: Robert Sharpe

PROHIBITION MULTIPLIES PROBLEMS FROM DRUGS

Columnist Betty Deramus needs to consider that both drug abuse and 
prohibition have the potential to cause harm ("Making drugs legal seems 
like a weak argument to keep kids safe," June 25).

So-called drug-related crime is invariably prohibition-related. With 
alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor bootleggers no longer gun each other 
down in drive-by shootings, nor do consumers go blind drinking unregulated 
bathtub gin. Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit 
drug, is a cost-effective alternative to a never- ending drug war.

There is a big difference between condoning marijuana use and protecting 
children from drugs. Decriminalization acknowledges the social reality of 
marijuana use and frees users from the stigma of life-shattering criminal 
records. What's really needed is a regulated market with age controls. 
Right now kids have an easier time buying pot than beer.

Separating the hard and soft drug markets is critical. As long as marijuana 
distribution remains in the hands of organized crime, consumers will 
continue to come into contact with harder drugs like cocaine.

Drug policy reform may send the wrong message to children, but I like to 
think the children themselves are more important than the message.

Robert Sharpe

Program Officer

Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, D.C.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth