MARIJUANA VIOLENCE

Worcester See Spate of Crimes

Worcester has seen a spate of violent crimes associated with
marijuana dealing and use this year, including murder, home invasions
and assaults. The grim record of criminal activity is testimony to the
destructive influence of a drug that is often portrayed by those who
use it as a harmless recreation.

It may be true that the majority of those who use marijuana do so in
moderation and do not permit their habit to destroy their lives. But
there is an insidious cost to society in such so-called harmless,
personal use, nonetheless. Like any other product, marijuana must be
grown by someone, harvested and sold. Those who use it are
contributing to a drug culture whose ill effects are visible.

Law enforcement officials in Worcester say decriminalization of
possession of marijuana for personal use is not responsible for this
year's upsurge in violence.

But the new rules have led to a further weakening of respect for the
law, with some users defying municipalities to enforce the fine for
smoking in public.

We continue to believe, contrary to what its apologists maintain, that
marijuana is far from a victimless crime. The evidence in broken lives
and body counts simply cannot be ignored.

Law enforcement cannot relax its efforts to prosecute those
responsible for this form of drug trafficking. And individuals who
yearn for a more peaceful society should recognize that their
tolerance of recreational marijuana use hurts that cause.