Pubdate: Thu, 04 Oct 2012
Source: Chief, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Whistler Printing & Publishing
Contact: http://www.squamishchief.com/section/squamish0303&template=letter
Website: http://www.squamishchief.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2414
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n484/a09.html

STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

EDITOR,

Re. "A joint effort on marijuana," Just a Thought, Chief, Sept. 27.

The vote by B.C. municipal leaders to decriminalize marijuana is a 
step in the right direction. There is a big difference between 
condoning marijuana use and protecting children from drugs. 
Decriminalization acknowledges the social reality of marijuana and 
frees users from criminal records. What's really needed is a 
regulated market with age controls.

Separating the hard and soft drug markets is critical. The marijuana 
plant is relatively harmless. Marijuana prohibition is deadly. As 
long as organized crime controls marijuana distribution, consumers of 
the most popular illicit drug will come into contact with sellers of 
hard drugs like cocaine, meth and heroin. Marijuana prohibition is a 
gateway drug policy.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.
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