TAX AND REGULATE MARIJUANA

To the Editor:

Regarding the June 17th article on the American Medical Association's
consideration of a "compassionate use" medical marijuana policy, the
cannabis plant has been used medicinally for thousands of years. In 1999,
the federally commissioned Institute of Medicine report concluded that
there are limited circumstances in which smoking marijuana for medical uses
is recommended. Marijuana is one of the most studied plants around.
Nonetheless, entrenched interests riding the drug war gravy train continue
to claim that further research is needed.

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 crimes puts children at risk. Unlike legitimate
businesses that sell liquor, illegal drug dealers do not check for IDs for
age, but they do push profitable, addictive drugs like meth when given the
chance. Sensible regulation is desperately needed to undermine the thriving
black market.

Marijuana is the most popular illicit drug and arguably West Virginia's
number one cash crop. Compared to legal 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 youth in contact with criminals who push them.
Current drug policy is a gateway policy. Taxing and regulating marijuana is
a cost-effective alternative to spending tens of billions annually on a
failed drug war.

Robert Sharpe, M.P.A.
Program Officer
The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation