Pubdate: Thu, 13 Sep 2012
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2012 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n446/a05.html

Get on the Initiative 502 Bandwagon, Says the Times

DECRIMINALIZATION AND PROTECTING CHILDREN ARE DIFFERENT

There is a big difference between condoning marijuana use and 
protecting children from drugs ["Children's Alliance backs pot 
measure," page one, Sept. 11].

Decriminalization acknowledges the social reality of marijuana and 
frees users from the stigma of life-shattering criminal records. 
What's really needed is a fully legal, regulated market with age 
controls as provided for in Washington Initiative 502.

Separating the hard and soft drug markets is critical. As long as 
organized crime controls marijuana distribution, consumers will come 
into contact with sellers of hard drugs like meth and heroin. This 
"gateway" is a direct result of marijuana prohibition.

Drug-policy reform may send the wrong message to children, but I like 
to think the children are more important than the message.

- -- Robert Sharpe, policy analyst for Common Sense for Drug Policy, 
Arlington, Va.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom