THE U.S. NEEDS A DRUG POLICY THAT WORKS MUCH BETTER

The picture the authors paint of a drug-legalized America is
sensationalist and plays on existing societal fears that drug use will
spread like a disease, infecting all of its users with addiction and a
criminal record. However, their message about the public-health risks
that legalization might pose should be heard. Their claim that
legalization will "only make harmful substances cheaper, easier to
obtain, and more socially acceptable to use" is hard to refute, but
their subsequent analysis that the public burden on criminal justice
and health-care systems will cost the state more than a tax on legal
marijuana would earn, packs real punch. They also make strong points
about risks for drug exposure to youths and potential issues for
federal programs like Medicaid.

Lacking in their article are substantive policy solutions.

Kim Covington

Washington