Pubdate: Sat, 10 Nov 2001
Source: Indianapolis Star (IN)
Copyright: 2001 Indianapolis Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.starnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/210
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1863/a10.html

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA COULD HELP ELIMINATE ILLEGAL HARD DRUG SALES

The hazardous methamphetamine labs mentioned in Will Higgins' Nov. 5 column 
are akin to the deadly exploding liquor stills that sprang up during 
alcohol Prohibition. Drug policies modeled after Prohibition have given 
rise to a youth-oriented black market. Illegal drug dealers don't check 
identification cards for age, but they do push highly profitable, addictive 
drugs such as meth.

There are middle-ground alternatives to a never-ending drug war. As the 
most popular drug, marijuana provides the black market contacts that 
introduce consumers to drugs such as meth. As long as marijuana 
distribution remains in the hands of organized crime, consumers will 
continue to come into contact with pushers of hard drugs.

Given that marijuana is arguably safer than alcohol, taxing and regulating 
the sale of marijuana to adults is a cost-effective alternative to the $50 
billion drug war.

Robert Sharpe

Program officer, Lindesmith Center

Drug Policy Foundation

Washington D.C.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Rebel