COCAINE NOT SO VIOLENT

Editor:

Raymond J. Bertrand says "violence is common" with the use of
cocaine. This is after he provides a few tidbits of history.

If "violence is common" with cocaine use then perhaps Mr. Bertrand
will explain why cocaine-related violence and crime was essentially
unknown before cocaine was outlawed.

It is correct, as he says, the cocaine was sold over the counter at
one time. There were no restrictions at all on cocaine.

Cocaine was included in lots of common medicines, and even soda pop.
Kids could buy it as easily as they can buy aspirin today.

There weren't even any labeling requirements so people didn't even
know what they were taking.

Even under those conditions, there was no cocaine-related crime or violence.

The cocaine crime and violence did not start until cocaine was outlawed.

If Mr. Bertrand wants more information, I suggest that he reads the
Consumers Union Report on Licit and Illicit Drugs at

http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/Library/studies/cu/cumenu.htm

Clifford A. Schaffer Director, Schaffer Library of Drug Policy
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer 33875 Agua Dulce Canyon Road Agua
Dulce, CA 91390 661-268-0442