In spite of the misconceptions leveled, the Jan. 17 letter, “Complete lunacy to legalize drug,” makes the case for legalization. Because North Americans have never known anything beyond various degrees of drug prohibition, those like the writer, for the most part, fail to differentiate between cannabis and the harms associated with its prohibition. Namely the devastation and death the writer speaks of. This is not surprising, given nearly a century of propaganda demonizing cannabis.
Prohibitionist cannabis policy and the enforcement thereof is not only an unmitigated and pricey failure of epic proportions. Both undermine the integrity of the nation as they spread treachery, lies and corruption into the remotest parts of the country. Prohibitionist cannabis policy and the enforcement thereof contribute to the distrust of police, politicians and the justice system.
The International Centre for Science in Drug Policy’s latest report demonstrates the clear failure of U.S. marijuana prohibition and supports calls for evidence-based models to legalize and regulate the use of cannabis. The report has already received the support and endorsement of the British Medical Journal, one of the world’s most influential medical journals, which has published a commentary in support of the report’s findings, and over 60 of the ICSDP’s scientific network members from more than 30 countries. See www.icsdp.org/; and that support is growing. See the Veinna Declaration — www.viennadeclaration.com/the-declaration/, and Stop the Violence BC — stoptheviolencebc.org/.
Wayne Phillips
Communications Director Educators For Sensible Drug Policy
Hamilton, Ontario
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