The UN Asks NATO to Tackle the Opium Trade in Afghanistan

CNN has an article discussing the current international discussion on the Opium trade in Afghanistan. From the article:

"'Since drugs are funding the insurgency, NATO has a self-interest in supporting Afghan forces in destroying drug labs, markets and convoys,' Costa said in a written statement to coincide with the release of the survey. 'Destroy the drug trade and you cut off the Taliban's main funding source.'"

I have an idea. Instead of vilifying people and burning their fields, how about we take the opium production out of the black market? Legalize the poppy farms and then the international community can buy the product at fair market value. The poppies can be used to produce morphine, which has a legitimate medical use.