Legalizing Cocaine
A more rational approach to the drug problem was astutely stated in the letter from a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney. His belief was “legalize it.” He emphasized that it is not the use of drugs but their illicit manufacture, distribution and sale that cause our most serious problems.
It was my session on a grand jury that jarred me into the same conclusion. After studying the drug-abuse centers and the methadone clinic and hearing the testimony of experts who were wrestling with the problem, it seemed apparent that to legalize drugs and to distribute them by government-regulated outlets with workable restrictions would eliminate much of the mischief our citizenry now endures.
U.S. society pays a monstrous price in theft and assault, police and court overloads, and even waste of addicts’ lives for the delusion that it can be cured by prohibition.
With the present approach we’re slipping backward. It would be prudent to take a new look and change directions.
H.L. THORNTON
Santa Barbara
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