DRUG COURT CLOGGED WITH NONABUSERS

Robert J. Koch's cheerleading for the drug court system fails to
acknowledge its fatal flaw when combined with the irrational drug
policies of Gov. Jeb Bush. Bush's critical error is his failure to
make any distinction between the use and the abuse of any drug, most
notably marijuana. Thus, the well-intentioned drug court model is now
jammed monthly with thousands of marijuana "clients" whose need for
drug treatment is no more so than an alcohol user who drinks a
six-pack on the weekend, or enjoys wine with his meals.

Treating the vast majority of marijuana use and, in many cases,
occasional use of other illegal substances, as something in need of a
state-funded "cure" is a disaster in the making. Taxpayers are forced
to watch millions of dollars go into "curing" someone who smokes small
amounts of pot at home. Then, as the number of "clients" rises, Bush
uses that data to perpetuate the myth of marijuana "addiction." It's a
neverending rodent-wheel of bullspeak and we the taxpayers are getting
the shaft. Most important, far too many real drug abusers are left
waiting for needed help behind otherwise law-abiding Floridians whose
only crime was possessing small amounts of marijuana.

STEPHEN HEATH

Public Relations Director

Drug Policy Forum of Florida

Clearwater