Pubdate: Thu, 27 Apr 2006
Source: International Herald-Tribune (International)
Copyright: International Herald Tribune 2006
Contact:  http://www.iht.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/212
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n509/a06.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

If health safety determined drug laws, instead of cultural norms, 
marijuana would be legal ("The politics of pot," editorial, April 24).

Unlike alcohol, marijuana does not cause death by overdose, nor does 
it share the addictive properties of tobacco. Marijuana can be 
harmful if abused, but prison cells are inappropriate as health 
interventions and ineffective as deterrents.

By raiding voter-approved medical marijuana providers in California, 
the very same Bush 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 United States from terrorism.

Robert Sharpe

Washington
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman