DRUG POLICY REFORM NEEDED

Liberal MP Keith Martin's marijuana decriminalization bill is merely a
step in the right direction.

There is a big difference between condoning marijuana use and
protecting children from drugs. Decriminalization acknowledges the
social reality of marijuana and frees users from the stigma of
criminal records.

What's really needed is a regulated market with age
controls.

Separating the hard and soft drug markets is critical.

As long as organized crime controls marijuana distribution, consumers
will continue to come into contact with sellers of hard drugs like
cocaine.

This gateway is a direct result of marijuana prohibition. Drug policy
reform may send the wrong message to children but I like to think the
children are more important than the message.

Robert Sharpe, policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy,
Arlington, Va.