TREAT WEED LIKE LIQUOR

Nolan Finley's Nov. 19 column, "Subject drug war to Iraq War test,"
provided an excellent description of our failed drug policy,
particularly regarding arresting marijuana offenders -- 88 percent of
whom are arrested for possession, not sale or manufacture.

As our nation struggles to find a better course in Iraq, a better
course for marijuana policy already exists. By strictly regulating
marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol, we can revoke the exclusive
franchise on the marijuana market violent criminals enjoy and free up
law enforcement resources to combat violent crimes, property crimes
and people who drive under the influence. It's time to replace the
failed policy of marijuana prohibition with common-sense regulation.

Dan Bernath

Assistant Director of Communications

Marijuana Policy Project

Washington, DC