PROHIBITION MULTIPLIES PROBLEMS FROM DRUGS

Columnist Betty Deramus needs to consider that both drug abuse and
prohibition have the potential to cause harm ("Making drugs legal seems
like a weak argument to keep kids safe," June 25).

So-called drug-related crime is invariably prohibition-related. With
alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor bootleggers no longer gun each other
down in drive-by shootings, nor do consumers go blind drinking unregulated
bathtub gin. Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit
drug, is a cost-effective alternative to a never- ending drug war.

There is a big difference between condoning marijuana use and protecting
children from drugs. Decriminalization 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.
Right now kids have an easier time buying pot than beer.

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 harder drugs like cocaine.

Drug policy reform may send the wrong message to children, but I like to
think the children themselves are more important than the message.

Robert Sharpe

Program Officer

Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, D.C.