DRUG WAR ONLY COMPOUNDS PROBLEM

Zero tolerance is part of the problem. Illegal drug users are often
reluctant to seek medical attention in the event of an overdose for
fear of being charged with a crime. Attempting to save the life of a
friend could result in a murder charge. Overzealous drug war
enforcement results in easily preventable deaths.

Rehabilitation also is confounded. I think it's safe to say that
turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather low if
alcoholism were a crime pursued with zero tolerance zeal. Eliminating
the penalties associated with illicit drug use would encourage the
type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate rehabilitation and
save lives.

Robert Sharpe Policy analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, DC