Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jul 2002
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1319/a02.html?1235

DRUG WAR EMPOWERS INTERNATIONAL CARTELS

Re Canadian drug profits fund terror: RCMP, July 15.

The RCMP is claiming the illegal hashish trade helps fund terrorism. 
Perhaps if the RCMP weren't busting marijuana operations in Canada, 
international drug cartels wouldn't be cashing in on the country's demand 
for marijuana. Replacing a local cottage industry with global crime 
syndicates that help finance terrorism can hardly be considered drug war 
success.

If marijuana prohibition is funding organized crime at home and terrorists 
abroad, perhaps it's time for Canada to tax and regulate the sale of 
marijuana to adults. In the meantime, I suggest Canadian pot smokers stick 
to B.C. bud before U.S. President George W. Bush gets wind of Canada's role 
as a financier of international terrorism and adds it to the axis-of-evil 
hit list.

Robert Sharpe

Program Officer

Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Ariel