Pubdate: Wed, 09 Oct 2002
Source: Times Of Acadiana, The (LA)
Copyright: South Louisiana Publishing 2002
Contact:  http://www.timesofacadiana.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2474
Note: additional fax: (337)261-2630
Author: Robert Sharpe

METH LABS A RESULT OF FAILED WAR ON DRUGS

Louisiana's hazardous methamphetamine labs are reminiscent of the deadly 
exploding liquor stills that sprang up throughout the nation during alcohol 
prohibition (Meth: The Next Drug Epidemic or Hype?, Aug. 14). Drug policies 
modeled after alcohol prohibition have given rise to a youth-oriented black 
market. Illegal drug dealers don't ID for age, but they do recruit minors 
immune to adult sentences. So much for protecting the children.

Throwing more money at the problem is no solution. Attempts to limit the 
supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only increase the 
profitability of drug trafficking. In terms of addictive drugs like meth, a 
spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to increase criminal 
activity to feed desperate habits. The drug war doesn't fight crime; it 
fuels crime.

Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is a 
cost-effective alternative. There is a big difference between condoning 
marijuana use and protecting children from drugs. Decriminalization 
acknowledges the social reality of marijuana use and frees users from the 
stigma of life-shattering criminal records. What's really needed is a 
regulated market with age controls. Separating the hard and soft drug 
markets is critical.

As long as marijuana distribution remains in the hands of organized crime, 
consumers will continue to come into contact with addictive drugs like 
meth. Given that marijuana is arguably safer than legal alcohol - the plant 
has never been shown to cause an overdose death - it makes no sense to 
waste tax dollars on failed policies that finance organized crime and 
facilitate the use of hard drugs. Drug policy reform may send the wrong 
message to children, but I like to think the children themselves are more 
important than the message.

Robert Sharpe, program officer

Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens