Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jun 2003 Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2003 The Lethbridge Herald Contact: http://www.mysouthernalberta.com/leth/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239 Author: Randal Geringer LEGALIZING POT BEST SOLUTION Editor: In regard to editorial, Will we all go to pot?, the stupid cannabis prohibition is perpetuated not only in the heading but also in the statement: "To its credit, the government will increase penalties for 'grow operations,' which have become a major industry with links to organized crime, especially in British Columbia." If users grow their own cannabis, then organized crime makes no money from these individuals. The best that can be accomplished increasing penalties is a price increase which increases profits for organized crime. Legalize cannabis as the Senate recommended and this circle in the Venn Diagram of Crime is removed and all links are broken. Legalizing does not equal use, use does not equal abuse. Motorcycles are legal but not very safe and most people do not ride motorcycles. If it were illegal, perhaps more people would, maybe scoring a ride when they go to get their pot from organized crime in British Columbia. RANDAL GERINGER Lawrence, Kan. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom