SHOULD MARIJUANA USE BE LEGAL?

Tim O'Brien's Jan. 7 op-ed column on the possibility of a medical marijuana
initiative in Detroit was excellent ("Medical marijuana could be relief for
pain and finances in Detroit"). Not only should medical marijuana be made
available to patients in need, but adult recreational use should be taxed
and regulated as well.

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 enforceable age
controls. Right now, kids have an easier time buying pot than beer.

More disturbing is the manner in which marijuana's black market status
exposes users to sellers of hard drugs.

Robert Sharpe, Program Officer

The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation

Washington, D.C.