EASIER FOR KIDS TO BUY POT THAN BEER

The article on the growing use of methamphetamine in B.C. stated that meth
was introduced by "motorcycle gangs and Mexican crime families."

Meth is sold by the very same criminal organizations that control the
marijuana trade. Why is this relevant?

Although marijuana is relatively harmless compared to most legal drugs,
marijuana prohibition is deadly.

As long as marijuana distribution remains in the hands of organized crime,
consumers will continue to come into contact with hard drugs like meth.

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. Taxing and
regulating marijuana is a cost-effective alternative to the failed drug
war. Given the local expertise in this area, the tax windfall for B.C.
would be tremendous.

Robert Sharpe,

Washington, D.C.