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