TIME FOR REGULATED POT MARKET

John Gleeson's take on the Fraser Institute's marijuana report was right on
target (Tories have to get real, June 11). The report makes a strong case
for replacing marijuana prohibition, which finances organized crime, with a
legal system of regulated taxation. Increased government revenue is not the
only reason to reform the marijuana laws.

There is a big difference between condoning marijuana use and protecting
children from drugs. The Liberal decriminalization bill acknowledges the
social reality of marijuana use and frees users from the stigma of
life-shattering criminal records. What's really needed is a regulated market
with age controls. Separating the hard and soft drug markets is critical. As
long as marijuana distribution remains in the hands of organized crime,
consumers will continue to come into contact with sellers of hard drugs like
cocaine.

Robert Sharpe

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.

(So much immaturity surrounds the issue.)