DECRIMINALIZING POT

Washington -- Steve Chapman, in his eminently sensible May 8 column on
marijuana laws, may have actually underestimated the number of Americans
who have tried marijuana ("For sensible marijuana policy, try heading
north," Commentary).

The 80 million figure he cites comes from a government-sponsored survey
that most likely underestimates the true figure.

A November 2002 CNN/Time poll found that 47 percent of U.S. adults--an
astounding 98 million people--have used marijuana. That same poll found
that 72 percent don't believe that marijuana users should go to
jail--precisely the sort of reform that Canada is now considering, despite
heavy-handed pressure, threats and bullying from U.S. government officials.

On this issue, at least, the Canadian government is more in tune with U.S.
public opinion than our own administration.

How sad.

Bruce Mirken, Director of Communications Marijuana Policy Project