Pubdate: Fri, 29 Jun 2012
Source: Charleston Gazette (WV)
Copyright: 2012 Charleston Gazette
Contact:  http://www.wvgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/77
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n327/a04.html
Author: Paul Armentano

POT WAR IS A FAILED, DESTRUCTIVE POLICY

Editor:

Kudos to The Charleston Gazette, for recognizing that the 
criminalization of marijuana is a failed and destructive public 
policy that needs amending ("Pot: Almost legal," June 25).

According to the federal government's own surveys, over 100 million 
Americans have consumed cannabis despite the drug's prohibition, and 
one in 10 use it regularly. Criminalization hasn't dissuaded anyone 
from consuming marijuana or reduced its availability. But it has 
ruined the lives and careers of millions of people who chose to use a 
substance that is objectively safer than alcohol.

Despite more than 70 years of federal prohibition, marijuana is here 
to stay. It's time to acknowledge this reality, cease ceding control 
of the marijuana market to untaxed criminal enterprises, and put it 
in the hands of licensed businesses.

It is time for West Virginia lawmakers to have a serious discussion 
regarding market alternatives to marijuana prohibition.

Paul Armentano

Deputy Director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom