Pubdate: Sun, 19 Jun 2005
Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX)
Copyright: 2005 Amarillo Globe-News
Contact:  http://amarillonet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/13
Author: Stephen Heath
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n931/a09.html?81756

GOVERNMENT CAN'T REGULATE WHAT IT CAN'T SEE

Thank you for your editorial denunciation of the federal policies which 
support the arrest and prosecution of medical marijuana patients ("States' 
rights go up in smoke," June 10).

If our Supreme Court does not have the courage to do something about the 
federal assault on states' medical marijuana laws, then it's up to 
Congress. Patients and doctors have been trying to get Washington to 
listen. Their cries fall on ears clogged by ardent drug-warrior propaganda.

The federal government told the Supreme Court that its prevailing interest 
in maintaining criminal prohibition of medical marijuana is its desire to 
regulate interstate commerce. Yet, after the ruling, there is absolutely no 
regulation taking place. Medical marijuana will remain a 
multimillion-dollar industry. The distributors and consumers will remain 
secret and, for the most part, unknown to federal agents.

How is it possible to regulate an industry that is conducted almost 
completely in secret?

STEPHEN HEATH

Public Relations Director

Drug Policy Forum of Florida

Clearwater, Fla.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom