Pubdate: Fri, 12 Jan 2001
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune (MO)
Copyright: 2001 Columbia Daily Tribune
Contact:  101 North 4th Street, P.O. Box 798 Columbia, MO 65205
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Author: Robert Sharpe, program officer, Lindesmith Center - Drug Policy
Foundation, 4455 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.

FAILED WAR ON DRUGS FEEDS CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

Editor, the Tribune: Robert Maginnis Jan. 9 column discusses the pitfalls
of drug legalization but fails to consider anything other than total,
all-out legalization. This is misleading. I dont think anyone in the drug
policy reform movement wants to see advertisements calling upon TV viewers
to run down to the convenience store to buy heroin. As for Maginnis
apparent inability to understand the relationship between drug prohibition
and crime, perhaps I can help.

When a supply of illegal drugs is successfully limited while demand remains
constant, drug-trafficking becomes more profitable. The obscene profits to
be made guarantee replacement dealers. For addictive drugs, a temporary drop
in supply leads to higher street prices, which means desperate addicts
increase criminal activity to feed desperate habits. Those who get caught
are placed in prisons that serve to transmit violent habits rather than
reduce them. The drug war fuels crime while failing miserably at preventing
use. Children are especially vulnerable.

With no controls for age, the black market is very much youth-oriented.
There are sensible alternatives to the drug war. Replacing marijuana
prohibition with regulation would do a better job of protecting children
than the failed drug war. Marijuana is the most popular illicit drug.
Compared to legal alcohol, marijuana is relatively harmless. Yet marijuana
prohibition is deadly. Although there is nothing inherent in marijuana that
compels users to try harder drugs, its black market status puts users in
contact with criminals who push them. Current drug policy is effectively a
gateway policy.
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