Pubdate: Tue, 08 Oct 2002 Source: Ladysmith-Chemanius Chronicle (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 BC Newspaper Group & New Media Contact: http://www.ladysmithchronicle.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1279 Author: Chuck Beyer MP MISSES POINT ON POT LEGALIZATION Editor: Nanaimo MP Reed Elley has missed the biggest point of the Senate report on legalization of marijuana ("Elley pans pot plan" Sept. 24). 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 jurisdiction than it has regarding alcohol and tobacco. It should be the exclusive jurisdiction of the provinces to regulate and tax. Marijuana prohibition is a power grab by the federal government over the Provinces that should not exist. Unfortunately we have some pretty gutless provincial politicians in power in B.C. that see no problem with such theft of jurisdiction. Chuck Beyer Victoria - --- MAP posted-by: Josh