Pubdate: Wed, 10 Oct 2012
Source: Vancouver Courier (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Vancouver Courier
Contact:  http://www.vancourier.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/474
Note: Headline by newshawk
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n481/a06.html

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

To the editor:

Re: "Joint venture," 12th & Cambie, Sept. 28.

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 
spares users 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 violent drug cartels control 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,

Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, D.C.
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