Pubdate: Mon, 15 Jul 2002
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2002 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Wayne Phillps
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1250/a01.html?1141

BAN ON CANNABIS A DISMAL, COSTLY FAILURE

Re: Consumers pay for pot-grow boom, (July 6).

It is estimated that Canadian federal agencies spend between $325 million 
and $500 million of taxpayer funds each year eradicating cannabis and more 
than 30,000 people are charged with simple possession annually. Now we are 
told marijuana grow-houses are costing Ontario's hydro utilities upwards of 
$500 million a year.

If there isn't an expert in the country who would recommend that marijuana 
be the one that is banned based on individual and societal harm, then the 
prohibition of cannabis is a mistake.

Prohibition of cannabis has clearly demonstrated itself to be a dismal 
failure that carries huge social costs. It is not a deterrent to marijuana 
growers.

WAYNE PHILLIPS

Hamilton
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