Pubdate: Fri, 21 Feb 2003
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyitoronto.com/torsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Jason Tchir

DEMAND WON'T GROW, EXPERTS PREDICT

Decriminalizing marijuana possession likely won't make Canada any smokier, 
pot experts said.

"We're not going to see millions of people rushing to try it for the first 
time just because it's been decriminalized," said Robin Ellins, proprietor 
of the Friendly Stranger, a paraphernalia store on Queen St. "If anything, 
the demand for marijuana will decrease once it's no longer a forbidden fruit."

Ellins wasn't surprised by a SES Canada Research/Sun Media poll that showed 
69% of Canadians support the legalization of pot.

Ellins hopes weed will eventually be sold through licensed vendors.

"It's the opportunity to eliminate the black market and the criminal 
element ... And the government gets the tax revenue."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom