Pubdate: Mon, 04 Dec 2000
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2000 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact:  435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-4066
Website: http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Forum: http://www.chicagotribune.com/interact/boards/
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1748/a02.html

MARIJUANA USE

WASHINGTON -- This is regarding "U.S. drug agency OKs marijuana program" 
(News, Nov. 24). The plant has been used both medicinally and 
recreationally for thousands of years. Marijuana is one of the most studied 
plants around.

In 1999, the federally commissioned Institute of Medicine report concluded 
that there are limited circumstances in which smoking marijuana for medical 
uses is recommended.

The alleged need for further studies is a stalling tactic perpetrated by 
entrenched interests riding the drug-war gravy train. Not only should 
medical marijuana be made available to patients in need, but adult 
recreational use should be regulated as well. The reason for this is 
simple: Leaving the distribution of popular recreational drugs in the hands 
of organized crime puts children at great risk. Unlike legitimate 
businesses that sell liquor, illegal drug dealers working the black market 
do not check IDs for age, but they do push profitable, addictive drugs like 
heroin when given the chance. Sensible regulation is desperately needed to 
undermine the volatile black market and restrict access to drugs.

Marijuana is the most popular illicit drug. Compared to legal drugs like 
alcohol and tobacco, marijuana is relatively harmless. Yet marijuana 
prohibition is deadly. Although there is nothing inherent in marijuana that 
compels users to try harder drugs, its black market status puts users in 
contact with criminals who push them.

As counterintuitive as it may seem, replacing marijuana prohibition with 
regulation would do a better job protecting children from drugs than the 
failed drug war.

As for medical marijuana, doctors should be the ones deciding what is best 
for their patients, not government bureaucrats.

Robert Sharpe, Program officer The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D