Pubdate: Mon, 27 Jun 2005
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Colin Walker

'STOP WASTING TAX DOLLARS CHASING A PLANT'

I agree with Daryl Tottenham that firefighters shouldn't be extinguishing 
grow-ops.

But copying the policies of the U.S. would be an expensive disaster that 
would only increase the dangers associated with cannabis.

The police should not even be involved with cannabis.

A legal, regulated supply should be established, as with alcohol and tobacco.

As a drug officer, Tottenham has a vested interest in maintaining drug 
prohibition.

So it is no surprise he advocates even harsher prohibition and reverse 
onus, which presumes guilt.

Cannabis is far less dangerous than alcohol, and its prohibition is based 
in ignorance.

It is mostly police associations, members and staunch prohibitionists who 
keep calling for more, failed prohibition.

An overall strategy is required to address drug use and abuse.

Caging people for gardening will do nothing except promote the use of 
harder drugs.

Stop wasting taxpayers' dollars chasing a plant.

Colin Walker,

New Westminster
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom