OLD APPROACH HASN'T WORKED

RE: 'Senators would legalize pot' (Sept. 5).

I agree with the Canadian Senate committee's recommendation to legalize
responsible cannabis use.

The criminalization of cannabis has filled jails with otherwise law-abiding
citizens, inspired government disdain among youth, and made organized crime
extremely rich. Increased enforcement of such laws has only exacerbated the
situation.

It's time to try another approach: legalize and regulate. By regulating the
market, governments can place proper age controls on the use of cannabis,
and take it out of the hands of black-market drug dealers.

And government resources currently spent on enforcement can be diverted to
education and treatment.

- -- Adam Wiggins,

Pasadena, Calif.