Reader: Marijuana legalization won't curb drug violence, just fuel more drug cartel fights

Joel Warner's piece analyzing a federal government pot cheat sheet used to argue against California's Proposition 19 went viral yesterday, stirring up plenty of debate among readers along the way. Among those weighing in: a reader who believes legalization isn't the panacea marijuana advocates feel it is...

By Michael Roberts

November 9, 2010

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Joel Warner's piece analyzing a federal government pot cheat sheet used to argue against California's Proposition 19 went viral yesterday, stirring up plenty of debate among readers along the way. Among those weighing in: a reader who believes legalization isn't the panacea marijuana advocates feel it is.

Phil writes:

legalization would not curb drug violence because existing drug cartels would have to fight each other for a much smaller market. if pot were legalized, drug violence would escalate and intensify almost immediately.

To read more memorable takes, check out our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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