Pubdate: Tue, 25 Feb 2014
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Eric Hafner
Page: A11

LEGALIZE DRUGS THAT AREN'T ADDICTIVE

Like most of the U. S., New Jersey is in strong need of drug law
reform and state Sen. Nicholas Scutari ( D- Union) is taking the right
step by introducing legislation to legalize marijuana for adults over
21 in the Garden State. This bill in New Jersey is indicative of what
is happening across America.

I understand 21 may be an appealing number for a legal recreational
marijuana age, being the same legal age as alcohol in all the U. S.
states.

But the fact is the 21 drinking age has been a major failure of U.S.
social policy that has served only to complicate the lives of citizens
we otherwise consider to be responsible adults. The drinking age
should be set no higher than 16 years of age to remove the forbidden
fruit aspect and encourage responsible consumption from the start.

It is time for a total overhaul of international drug policy. Not only
should marijuana be legalized, but other non-addictive substances
such as psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA (ecstasy/molly), LSD and ketamine
should be made legal for all persons at least 16 years of age.

By legalizing non-addictive substances and bringing everyone
(including young adults) out of the black market and into a controlled,
legal, regulated and taxed system of psychoactive substance sales, the
availability of and demand for addictive substances such as heroin
will significantly diminish.

Eric Hafner

Toms River, N. J.
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