ANOTHER MISSTEP IN DRUG WAR

What's the real impact of state-level medical marijuana laws on interstate
commerce?

Patients with the option of legally obtaining marijuana under a doctor's
recommendation don't rely on the black market. If the Bush administration
decides to focus federal law enforcement resources on busting
voter-approved medical marijuana suppliers, desperate patients will turn to
street dealers for their medicine.

The U.S. Supreme Court effectively confirmed organized crime's monopoly on
marijuana distribution. International drug cartels are no doubt thrilled
with the ruling. It's now up to Congress to decide whether to maintain the
status quo.

Despite overwhelming public support for medical marijuana, many politicians
remain fearful of drug policy reform. Far too much political capital has
been invested in the war on some drugs. Tough-on-drugs politicians have
built careers on confusing drug prohibition's collateral damage with a
relatively harmless plant.

I can only hope the prospect of federal agents arresting cancer and AIDS
patients inspires Congress to pass compassionate-use legislation. "Reefer
madness" is a poor excuse for criminalizing healthy citizens who prefer
marijuana to martinis. There is no excuse for prosecuting sick patients
desperate to ease their suffering.

Robert Sharpe, policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington