URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n497/a09.html
Newshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htm
Votes: 0
Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jul 2016
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Copyright: 2016 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact:
Website: http://www.telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/509
Note: Rarely prints LTEs from outside circulation area – requires
‘Letter to the Editor’ in subject
Author: Ross Bradshaw
LEGALIZE POT; END DISCRIMINATION
As a 29 year-old bi-racial male raised in both the inner-city and suburbs of Worcester, having Black, White, and Latino family members and friends who responsibly consume marijuana, I repeatedly experienced and witnessed the disproportionate enforcement of marijuana laws in a racially biased manner.
Despite virtually identical usage rates among whites and non-whites, research has consistently found that punitive marijuana laws disproportionately target non-white citizens. A recent study from the ACLU found that in 2010 – even after Massachusetts had decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana – black citizens in Massachusetts were four times more likely to be charged for marijuana possession than whites.
I believe reforming our failed drug policies is a crucial part of reforming our racially discriminatory criminal justice system. That is why on November 8, I will vote yes on Question 4 to legalize and regulate marijuana for adult use.
Across the country, the war on drugs has caused destruction and pain in communities of color such as Worcester. Legalizing and regulating marijuana alone will not solve the deeper problem of racial discrimination in our country, but it does represent a more sensible approach and a strong step in the right direction.
Ross Bradshaw
Auburn
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom