Pubdate: Tue, 28 May 2013
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2013 The New York Times Company
Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Peter Provet
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n213/a07.html

A TIME WHEN MARIJUANA IS LEGAL

To the Editor:

Bill Keller suggests that legalization of marijuana is a foregone 
conclusion. The voters in Washington State and Colorado have proposed 
that one way out of an intransigent public health problem, costly law 
enforcement, spiraling prison costs and reduced tax revenues is to 
legalize a known addictive substance.

It is wishful thinking, however, to believe that a 
government-regulated marijuana marketplace will raise enough money to 
offset the harm that today's highly potent drug inflicts on 
communities across America.

The only chance we have to get ahead of the coming epidemic is by 
adequately financing treatment programs so the infrastructure of 
marijuana production, distribution and retail is matched by 
broad-based community services.

PETER PROVET

President and Chief Executive

Odyssey House
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