POT: PRIORITY ONE

If health outcomes determined drug laws instead of cultural norms,
marijuana would be legal ("Dr. Feelgood," 3/23). Unlike alcohol, marijuana
has never been shown to cause an overdose death, nor does it share the
addictive properties of tobacco. Like any drug, marijuana can be harmful if
abused, but jail cells are inappropriate as health interventions and
ineffective as deterrents. By raiding voter-approved medical marijuana
providers in California, the very same U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
that claims illicit drug use funds terrorism is forcing cancer and AIDS
patients into the hands of street dealers. Apparently marijuana prohibition
is more important than protecting the country from terrorism.

Robert Sharpe, MPA, Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy
Washington, D.C.