ECSTASY: BATHTUB GIN OF THE 21ST CENTURY

Re: "More traffic wrecks blamed on Ecstasy" (news article, June 21).

Ecstasy is the latest illegal drug to be making headlines, but it won't be
the last. Drug policies modeled after alcohol prohibition have given rise
to a youth-oriented black market. Illegal drug dealers do not ID for age,
but they do push trendy "club drugs," regardless of the dangers posed.

The ecstasy variant known as PMA that has been taking the lives of Florida
youth is today's version of prohibition-era bathtub gin. The overdose
victims thought they were buying ecstasy, but the black market has no
controls. The drug war fails miserably at its primary mandate: protecting
children from drugs.

Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is a
cost-effective alternative. There is a big difference between condoning
marijuana use and protecting children from drugs. Decriminalization
acknowledges the social reality of marijuana use. What's really needed is a
regulated market with age controls.

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 hard drugs. 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