Pubdate: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
Source: Boston Phoenix (MA)
Copyright: 2006 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group.
Contact:  http://www.bostonphoenix.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/54
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n015/a07.html

FEELING BETTER

Regarding "Rhode Island Follows Through on Medical Marijuana," by Ian 
Donnis (January 6), if health outcomes determined drug laws instead 
of cultural norms, marijuana would be legal. Unlike alcohol, 
marijuana has never been shown to cause an overdose death, nor does 
it share the addictive properties of tobacco. Marijuana can be 
harmful if abused, but jail cells are inappropriate as health 
interventions and ineffective as deterrents.

The first marijuana laws were enacted in response to Mexican 
migration during the early 1900s, despite opposition from the AMA. By 
raiding voter-approved medical-marijuana providers in California, the 
very same US DEA that claims illicit drug use funds terrorism is 
forcing cancer and AIDS patients into the hands of street dealers. 
Apparently marijuana prohibition is more important than protecting 
the country from terrorism.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, DC
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom