Reader Views

REGULATE POT

David Broder's column on the recent U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
raid on a California medical-marijuana club highlighted the absurdity of
waging a $50 billion war on consensual vices at a time when the country
faces the all too real threat of international terrorism ("DEA fighting
wrong battle with marijuana raid," Nov. 11 Eagle opinion pages). Not only
should medical marijuana be made available to cancer and AIDS patients in
need, but adult recreational use also should be taxed and regulated.

As long as marijuana distribution remains in the hands of organized crime,
consumers will continue to come into contact with hard drugs such as meth.
Taxing and regulating marijuana is a cost-effective alternative to the
failed drug war.

ROBERT SHARPE

The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation

Washington, D.C.