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Move to legalize marijuana takes root (LA Times 7-15-09)
Support growing to bring sanctioned control, regulation to market where none exists now.
by Bill Piper from Los Angeles Times, July 15, 2009 continued - PAGE FOUR
"The system of international drug control has produced several unintended consequences, the most formidable of which is the creation of a lucrative black market for drugs and the violence and corruption it generates" concluded the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in a 2009 report.
Almost every measurement criteria that can be used shows the U.S. and the rest of the world trending away from prohibitionist policies. After decades of allowing drug markets to be controlled by thugs and gangsters, policymakers and voters alike are warming to legalization, which would bring control and regulation where none exists now. In fact, California has already legalized marijuana. Sure, it's only for medical use, but all the elements of a heavily controlled system are there: regulated dispensaries, licensing and taxation. A similar system, perhaps tighter, could be developed for non-medical marijuana.
Bill Piper is the director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance.
Copyright 2009 Los Angeles Times
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