Prop. 215
* Re “Drug Czar Warns Doctors That U.S. Would Prosecute,” Oct. 30: Barry McCaffrey’s threat to prosecute physicians who prescribe marijuana if Prop. 215 is approved by California voters is a chilling reminder that the roots of the drug war go back 82 years and started with federal prosecution of physicians for prescribing drugs.
A bit of history that I doubt the general is familiar with: The Harrison Narcotic Act was passed by Congress in December 1914. It was supposed to be a taxation and regulatory act for keeping track of opium and coca products. Almost immediately, treasury agents began arresting physicians for prescribing for addicts, claiming it was not “normal” practice. It took over five years of amendments to the law and several Supreme Court decisions, but drug prohibition slipped through the side door at about the same time prohibition of alcohol stormed in through the main entrance via constitutional amendment.
By now we all know which prohibition failed and which one “succeeded.” Or has it?
THOMAS J. O’CONNELL MD
San Mateo
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