Pubdate: Fri, 03 May 2013
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2013 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.utsandiego.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Note: Seldom prints LTEs from outside it's circulation area.
Author: Rob Cohen
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n185/a07.html

PROHIBITING POT FAILS AS A DETERRENCE

Conservatism in its truest sense believes in governing in a 
common-sense manner. It allows for social experimentation over time 
to determine what the norms of society should be. It's a slower and 
more deliberative process. If something that has been accepted for 
years has over time shown not to be effective, a true conservative 
will gladly accept the new norm.

Marijuana use is a great example of this. We have come a long way 
from the "reefer madness" days, and, over time, marijuana use, while 
not necessarily accepted in law, has been accepted by society. It's 
use has never been more prevalent.

We now see that the "war on drugs" especially as it pertains to 
marijuana has been a failure. It's time for the laws to reflect that 
failure and to change toward legalization of its use - specifically, 
for medical use. There is overwhelming evidence of the benefits to 
those suffering physical pain from cancer and other diseases. 
California and other states have recognized this but the federal 
government is intransigent about changing its tune. When Laura Duffy 
and the other federal prosecutors threaten local officers, elected or 
not, if they implement local ordinances regarding marijuana 
availability, they abuse their power as representatives of the public at large.

While I agree with you that there should be a discussion in 
Washington regarding this issue, I am surprised that a "conservative" 
newspaper would still maintain its opposition to legalization. I 
would think that you would want to see less government interference 
in people's lives, especially when, in the instance of medical use of 
marijuana, society has spoken.

- - Rob Cohen, San Diego
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom