Pubdate: Sat, 27 Dec 2003
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Stephane Bourbonnais
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk

LEGALIZATION MAKES PERFECT SENSE

RE "Cost of grow ops jolting" (Dec. 18): The figures used can only be 
educated guesses (I'm sure growers are not answering questionnaires), the 
actual numbers could be much higher or lower.

This is also another example of why marijuana should be legalized and 
controlled by the government. Alcohol, one of the most addictive substances 
there is, can be made at home, but no one bothers.

If the government was controlling the growing, distribution and possession 
of pot, it would not need to worry about stolen hydro. Not only would the 
cost of stolen hydro be almost eradicated, the hydro companies would be 
receiving payment for legally used electricity to legally grow a controlled 
plant as well as creating tax revenue for the government. Pot smokers are 
going to smoke, period. The simple fact that illegal use of power to grow 
the plant is a problem proves this. Demand creates supply and will continue 
to do so.

If we put aside our personal prejudices for or against legalization of 
cannabis, financially it makes perfect sense.

Stephane Bourbonnais

(You could say the same thing about almost everything)
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman