West Hollywood adopts sane policy on pot

The West Hollywood City Council’s vote to make marijuana possession a low law enforcement priority (June 20) should be followed by other cities and counties. Nationwide, police are making more marijuana possession arrests and fewer important drug arrests than they used to. Since 1991, marijuana possession arrests have increased from 22.4% of total drug arrests to 39.5% in 2003, while arrests for heroin and cocaine sales have decreased from 22.5% of the total to 8.8%, according to the White House.

In most of the country the police make more marijuana possession arrests than arrests for robbery and rape. West Hollywood is doing the smart thing if it wants to protect public safety and properly manage the sheriff’s deputies who patrol its streets.

ERIC E. STERLING

President, Criminal Justice

Policy Foundation

Silver Spring, Md.

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The resolution passed by the West Hollywood City Council simply directs law enforcement not to target marijuana users for criminal prosecution. This resolution is a clarion call from the growing chorus of Americans seeking alternatives to the failed federal war on drugs. It is a step that Seattle, Oakland and Denver have already taken.

The “war on drugs” has to be laid on the table and examined. When neither the federal nor state government can face that responsibility, the job must begin at the local level.

MIKE GRAY

Chairman, West Hollywood

Civil Liberties Alliance

Los Angeles