A MIDDLE GROUND ON DRUG POLICY

In arguing for a modest reform of cocaine sentencing laws, Kevin A.
Sabet presents a false choice between "strict prohibition or lax
legalization," and suggests that the only alternative to these
extremes is to fine-tune the current drug war.

But at least in the case of marijuana, a "third way" exists: regulate
marijuana as we do tobacco and alcohol, with licensed, taxed and
regulated producers and merchants. To keep their licenses, such
businesses would have to obey strict rules against selling to kids
and would be subject to standards for labeling, purity and potency.
Instead of the marijuana market being controlled by unregulated
criminals, we'd know who and where sellers are and could monitor
their operations.

Since 1995, according to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking among
high school students has declined twice as fast as marijuana use.

Licensed cigarette merchants have a strong incentive not to sell to
kids, but drug dealers don't check IDs.

The data show that marijuana prohibition is a failure. It's time for
sensible regulation.

Bruce Mirken

Director of Communications

Marijuana Policy Project

Washington