Pubdate: Wed, 13 Apr 2005
Source: City Pages (MN)
Copyright: 2005, City Pages Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.citypages.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2567
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n493/a10.html?47552

POT: PRIORITY ONE

If health outcomes determined drug laws instead of cultural norms, 
marijuana would be legal ("Dr. Feelgood," 3/23). Unlike alcohol, marijuana 
has never been shown to cause an overdose death, nor does it share the 
addictive properties of tobacco. Like any drug, marijuana can be harmful if 
abused, but jail cells are inappropriate as health interventions and 
ineffective as deterrents. By raiding voter-approved medical marijuana 
providers in California, the very same U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration 
that claims illicit drug use funds terrorism is forcing cancer and AIDS 
patients into the hands of street dealers. Apparently marijuana prohibition 
is more important than protecting the country from terrorism.

Robert Sharpe, MPA, Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy 
Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom