HOW WOULD ADDICTS GET MONEY FOR LEGAL DRUGS?

In the Sept. 7 guest commentary by Tracy Ryan, "We can fix 'ice' problem with
managed addiction," she tries to make a case for allowing legal drugs to be
used by Hawaii's drug addicts. She claims that legalized drugs would decrease
property crimes since the cost for the drugs under her plan would be minimal
compared to the cost of drugs on the street. But she makes a statement I find
confusing: "The cost of distribution would be borne by the addicts."

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but don't addicts commit burglary to get the
money to buy drugs in the first place? In other words: no money, can't buy
drugs. Under Ryan's plan: no money, can't buy legal drugs. Sounds like the same
to me.

Donald Smith

Honolulu