METH LAB LAW WILL ONLY WORSEN DRUG-RELATED CRIME

Re: "Owens signs law targeting meth labs; Governor calls drug "scourge,
sickness,' " June 7 news story.

Gov. Bill Owens' tough-on-drugs response to the methamphetamine "scourge"
is a threat to public safety. Attempts to limit the supply of illegal drugs
while demand remains constant only increases the profitability of drug
trafficking. In terms of addictive drugs like meth, a spike in street
prices leads desperate addicts to increase criminal activity to feed
desperate habits. The drug war doesn't fight crime, it fuels crime.

Colorado's hazardous methamphetamine labs are reminiscent of the deadly
exploding liquor stills that sprung up throughout the nation during alcohol
prohibition. Drug policies modeled after alcohol prohibition have given
rise to a youth-oriented black market. Illegal drug dealers don't ID for
age, but they do recruit minors immune to adult sentences.

Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is a
cost-effective alternative to the never-ending drug war. Marijuana may be
relatively harmless compared to alcohol, but marijuana prohibition is deadly.

Drug policy reform may send the wrong message to children, but I like to
think the children themselves are more important than the message.
Tough-on-drugs politicians would no doubt disagree.

ROBERT SHARPE

Washington, D.C.

The writer is a program officer for the Drug Policy Alliance.