Pubdate: Sun, 02 Jun 2013
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2013 The Sacramento Bee
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/0n4cG7L1
Website: http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n225/a03.html

MARIJUANA PROHIBITION CAUSES PROBLEMS

Re "Dr. Skype's pot exams: Quick, hazy" (Dan Morain, May 26): It is
true that anyone in California who wants a medical marijuana
recommendation can easily get one.

The recommendation allows consumers to purchase locally grown
marijuana of known quality and safety from dispensaries that generate
tax revenue.

Is it somehow preferable that consumers purchase untaxed, unregulated
and potentially unsafe marijuana from criminals? Marijuana prohibition
keeps violent drug cartels in business.

When marijuana is illegal and cartels control marijuana distribution,
consumers are exposed to illegal cocaine, meth and heroin. This
"gateway" is a direct result of marijuana's illegal status. Marijuana
may be relatively harmless, but marijuana prohibition is deadly.

- -- Robert Sharpe,

Washington DC, Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy
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MAP posted-by: Matt