Pubdate: Thu, 20 Apr 2000
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2000 The Province
Contact:  200 Granville Street, Ste. #1, Vancouver, BC V6C 3N3 Canada
Fax: (604) 605-2323
Website: http://www.vancouverprovince.com/
Author: Allan Williams
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n512/a02.html

"DANGERS OF POT-SMOKING BLOWN OUT OF PROPORTION"

Legalization and decriminalization are fine-sounding words but they are
meaningless unless the Minister of Justice is prepared to amend the
legislation under her control and the federal minister of health is prepared
to do the same.

As for marijuana, the "huge profits" do not come from "well-heeled"
recreational users but from the smuggling of the buds to the U.S. for money
or heroin.

This will not be curtailed by "simple market economics" and if that is to be
attempted then the "bikers" will jump for joy because they are experts in
that field.

Even if a serious attempt is made to treat drug distribution like liquor
sales, the desperate condition of the addicts will not be helped.

Allan Williams, West Vancouver
- ---
MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk