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 - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D