Pubdate: Mon, 28 Jan 2013
Source: Wall Street Journal (US)
Copyright: 2013 Amanda Reiman
Contact:  http://www.wsj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487
Author: Amanda Reiman, Ph.D., MSW
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n037/a04.html
Note: Second of 4 LTEs on this subject

POT PROHIBITION, REGULATION, AND DANGER TO THE YOUNG

Mr. Rosenthal contends that legalizing marijuana for adults will
increase use among young people through ease of accessibility.
However, there seems to be some confusion about the difference between
prohibition and regulation.

Under prohibition, regulators have no
control over where the product is sold, who sells it or to whom they
sell it. We see that reflected in the fact that it is easier for teens
to obtain marijuana than it is alcohol. One is prohibited (marijuana)
and one is regulated (alcohol).

Under regulation, cities and states
get control over the selling of marijuana, including making decisions
about how close marijuana selling outlets can be from schools, the
hours they can operate and impose penalties for those who supply
minors. This is control. And control works. In the states that have
passed medical-marijuana laws, youth marijuana use has decreased. If
communities are concerned about access to marijuana by young people,
regulation and education are the keys. Prohibition exacerbates the
problem.

Amanda Reiman, Ph.D., MSW

San Francisco
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D