READY FOR DRUG DEBATE

Michael Vitiello's thoughtful and rigorous examination of the proposal
to tax and regulate marijuana in California like alcohol helps break
the silence on serious debate of this critical issue. For far too long
any discussion of ending the prohibition on marijuana has been either
off-limits or dismissed as crackpot.

President Barack Obama followed that retrograde script last week when
he literally laughed off the most popular question to his online town
hall meeting. Given the crisis in our economy and the growing
impression that marijuana laws are simply unenforceable, those evasive
maneuvers won't cut it anymore. The time has come for a real debate on
this issue, in Sacramento and nationwide, and an end to the
prohibition on thinking.

Stephen Gutwillig

Los Angeles

California state director, Drug Policy Alliance