Pubdate: Sat, 10 Dec 2011
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2011 Robert Sharpe
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/wEtbT4yU
Website: http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n687/a06.html

LEGALIZING POT WOULD NOT INCREASE ITS USE

Re: Push For Legalized Pot Just Dopey, Brian Hutchinson, Dec. 7.

Columnist Brian Hutchinson makes the common mistake of assuming that 
punitive marijuana laws deter use. Consider the experience of 
Canada's southern neighbour. Despite criminal penalties, the United 
States has higher rates of marijuana use than the Netherlands where 
marijuana is legally available.

Mr. Hutchinson also argues that underground markets would remain 
under legalization. Nonsense. An easily grown weed like marijuana 
would be virtually worthless if legal. Drug cartels could not 
possibly compete with legitimate farmers. As it stands, the drug wars 
distortion of supply and demand causes big money to be grown on little trees.

Taxing and regulating marijuana would ultimately render the drug war 
obsolete. As long as organized crime controls distribution, marijuana 
consumers will come into contact with sellers of hard drugs like 
methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. This gateway is a direct result 
of marijuana prohibition.

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