CRIMINALIZATION OF DRUG USE ACTUALLY INCREASES ABUSE

Re: Sept. 29 ("There's more collateral damage than victories in this war on
drugs")

Canadian marijuana activist Marc Emery is now officially a political
prisoner. If health outcomes determined drug laws instead of cultural
norms, marijuana would be legal. At a time when state and local
governments are laying off police, firefighters and teachers, the U.S.
government is prepared to spend a small fortune incarcerating Emery
for five years.

The Canadian government should be ashamed of their role in this
travesty. There is no justification for criminalizing citizens who
prefer marijuana to martinis. It's a fact: marijuana prohibition has
failed. The U.S. has higher rates of marijuana use than the
Netherlands, where marijuana is legally available. Canada should Just
Say No to the American Inquisition.

Robert Sharpe, Policy advisor

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, DC