Pubdate: Wed, 27 May 2009
Source: Christian Science Monitor (US)
Copyright: 2009 The Christian Science Publishing Society
Contact: http://www.csmonitor.com/cgi-bin/encryptmail.pl?ID=CFF0C5E4
Website: http://www.csmonitor.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/83
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n555/a03.html
Author: Cynthia Clague

REASONS TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

The fact is, criminalizing marijuana has not made it unavailable to
young people. Just as criminalizing alcohol added a layer of violence
and crime in the 1930s, so has criminalizing all drugs.

What your editorial fails to consider is that legalizing drugs could
be done with many restrictions on age and access, while spending much
of the revenue on treatment and education, rather than spending tax
money on policing and prisons.

There will always be a market for these substances. Let's spend our
resources on education, treatment, and creating other opportunities
for young people.

Cynthia Clague

Eugene, Ore.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake