Pubdate: Tue, 15 Feb 2011
Source: Modesto Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2011 The Modesto Bee
Contact:  http://www.modbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/271
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n086/a03.html

ARRESTING LOCAL MARIJUANA GROWERS JUST HELPS MEXICAN DRUG CARTELS

In response to Jeff Jardine's column "Pot plant stands out" (Feb. 10, 
Page B-1): Does anyone truly believe that dedicating police resources 
to busting local marijuana farms is going to prevent Modesto 
residents from smoking marijuana? Eliminating local marijuana growers 
only to have them replaced by Mexican drug cartels that sell cocaine, 
heroin and methamphetamine is not a good thing.

Not only should medical marijuana be made available to patients in 
need, but adult recreational use should be regulated. Drug policies 
modeled after alcohol prohibition have given rise to a youth-oriented 
black market. Illegal drug dealers don't ID for age, but they do 
recruit minors immune to adult sentences. So much for protecting the children.

Throwing more money at the problem is no solution. Attempts to limit 
the supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only 
increase the profitability of drug trafficking. For addictive drugs 
like heroin, a spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to 
increase criminal activity to feed desperate habits. The drug war 
doesn't fight crime; it fuels crime. Taxing and regulating marijuana, 
the most popular illicit drug, is a cost-effective alternative to 
never-ending drug war.

ROBERT SHARPE policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, D.C.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom