Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jan 2005
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Kirk Tousaw
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

INJUSTICE BEING DONE TO CANNABIS ACTIVISTS

The government's shameful persecution of cannabis activists continues 
unabated. The trafficking conviction of Ted Smith, a recognized political 
activist, for merely passing out joints at a rally follows closely on the 
heels of Marc Emery's three-month jail stint, also for passing a joint.

When did sharing cannabis with friends and political supporters become 
"trafficking?" Though the law technically allows convictions even where no 
money is exchanged, there is a terrible injustice being done when political 
activists are targeted and treated more harshly because of their outspokenness.

A majority of Canadians don't even want the government to prosecute 
cannabis users criminally. It is far past time to end the harmful and 
unjust policy of cannabis prohibition. Prohibition has failed to reduce 
supply or demand, and imposes significant financial and social burdens on 
all British Columbians. And now, with the government targeting activists 
for harsher penalties, the very essence of democracy is threatened. Is this 
really what we want for our province, and our country?

Kirk Tousaw

Campaign manager,

B.C. Marijuana party

Vancouver 
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MAP posted-by: Beth