Pubdate: Mon, 30 Sep 2002
Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002, BC Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948
Author: Chuck Beyer

POT SHOULD BE PROVINCIAL DECISION

To the Editor,

Nanaimo MPs Reed Elley and James Lunney have missed the biggest point of 
the Senate report on legalization of marijuana (MPs hold breath on 
marijuana - Sept 19).

It says decisions on marijuana, because it is less harmful than alcohol or 
tobacco, should be devolved to the provinces.

So, regulation is really not a federal decision. Once marijuana is a 
provincial regulatory function, the rules in regard to age, sales and 
driving may be different in each province.

The federal government has no more business in marijuana law than it has 
regarding alcohol and tobacco. It should be the exclusive jurisdiction of 
the provinces.

As for any perceived American pressure, it should be remembered that 
American states are free to have their own marijuana laws. In fact,Nevada 
is about to vote on the issue of full legalization.

Chuck Beyer, Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom