Pubdate: Thu, 01 Aug 2013
Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 Cornwall Standard Freeholder
Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/letters
Website: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169
Author: Robert Sharpe
Page: 6
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n363/a01.html

KEEP HARD AND SOFT DRUGS SEPARATE

Regarding your July 27 editorial, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is to
be commended for coming out strong against marijuana
prohibition.

There is a big difference between condoning marijuana use and
protecting children from drugs. Decriminalization acknowledges the
social reality of marijuana and spares users criminal records. What's
really needed is a regulated market with age controls. Separating the
hard and soft drug markets is critical.

As long as organized crime controls marijuana distribution, consumers
will continue to come into contact with sellers of hard drugs like
cocaine and heroin. This "gateway" is a direct result of marijuana
prohibition.

Marijuana is less harmful than legal alcohol. It makes no sense to
waste tax dollars on failed marijuana policies that finance organized
crime and facilitate the use of hard drugs.

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

Robert Sharpe, MPA Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy
Washington, DC
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MAP posted-by: Matt