Self-described "Crackhead" turned Drug Warrior

From Eric Dondero:

A new law went into effect on July 1 across Florida that would outlaw all sales of drug paraphernalia, unless the store sells more than 75% of their products for tobacco use. The so-called "Grateful Dead law," was sponsored by a recovered crack addict-turned-legislator. State Represenative Darryl Rouson (photo with supporters from SEIU) represents the Tampa area. He is a Democrat.

From StoptheDrugWar.org:

"I've been fighting the pipe industry for the longest, because it is all a part of the drug trade and the criminal enterprise that we know exists and destroys neighborhoods, families and order in our society," said sponsor Rep. Darryl Rouson (D-Tampa Bay) earlier this month. "When was the last time you stopped at a red light and saw someone smoking a hit of tobacco out of one of these one-shooters or water pipes?" he told NBC Miami.

Rouson, a self-described former crackhead, has gone after paraphernalia in the past, too. Last year, he proposed a bill that would have imposed an extra sales tax on smoking paraphernalia to pay for DARE programs that were facing cuts.

"Florida has a conscience and an awareness that marijuana and the smoking and ingesting of it is not healthy for an individual, nor is it healthy for public safety and the order in society," Rouson added.

Another Democrat was quoted in the Palm Beach Post, Aug. 9:

"I was concerned about the crack pipes that are sold in these stores," said state Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Wellington, a co-sponsor of the bill. "I was going to be supportive of getting those out of the hands out the youth."

Republican legislators share some of the blame for the legislation. The bill was voted through committee and the floor unanimously, then passed through the Senate. It was signed into law by Independent Gov. Charlie Crist.

Head Shop owners have organized a legal effort to fight the law in the courts.