Pubdate: Sat, 30 Jun 2001
Source: The Dominion Post (WV)
Copyright: 2001 The Dominion Post
Contact:  http://www.dominionpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1426
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1087/a01.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

TAX AND REGULATE MARIJUANA

To the Editor:

Regarding the June 17th article on the American Medical Association's 
consideration of a "compassionate use" medical marijuana policy, the 
cannabis plant has been used medicinally for thousands of years. In 1999, 
the federally commissioned Institute of Medicine report concluded that 
there are limited circumstances in which smoking marijuana for medical uses 
is recommended. Marijuana is one of the most studied plants around. 
Nonetheless, entrenched interests riding the drug war gravy train continue 
to claim that further research is needed.

Not only should medical marijuana be made available to patients in need, 
but adult recreational use should be regulated as well. The reason for this 
is simple: Leaving the distribution of popular recreational drugs in the 
hands of organized crimes puts children at risk. Unlike legitimate 
businesses that sell liquor, illegal drug dealers do not check for IDs for 
age, but they do push profitable, addictive drugs like meth when given the 
chance. Sensible regulation is desperately needed to undermine the thriving 
black market.

Marijuana is the most popular illicit drug and arguably West Virginia's 
number one cash crop. Compared to legal alcohol and tobacco, 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 youth in contact with criminals who push them. 
Current drug policy is a gateway policy. Taxing and regulating marijuana is 
a cost-effective alternative to spending tens of billions annually on a 
failed drug war.

Robert Sharpe, M.P.A.
Program Officer
The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation
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