Pubdate: Sun, 15 May 2005
Source: Prince George Free Press (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 BC Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.pgfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2135
Author: Arthur Williams
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjparty.htm (Canadian Marijuana Party)

BC MARIJUANA PARTY HAS A STANCE ON EVERY ISSUE

B.C. Marijuana Party candidates Steve Wolfe and Matt Burnette are hoping to
raise awareness of their party and promote full legalization of marijuana.

Wolfe is running in Prince George North and Burnette is running in Prince
George-Mount Robson.

Both said although their party's main goal is the legalization of marijuana,
they have a full platform covering all areas of government.

"A lot of people overlook the benefits it [legalizing marijuana] would have
for our economy," Wolfe said. "Overnight the $600 million we spend
prosecuting and convicting the cannabis culture would turn into billions in
revenue. We need to tax it and regulate it and take it away from organized
crime."

The Marijuana Party would also look at cost-saving measure like streamlining
government ministries and departments, he said.

"Realistically the legislation we have in place is criminalizing the
majority of the population," Wolfe said. "You have the population wanting
something and the politicians wanting something else."

Legislators have ignored a 2002 senate committee report which recommended
legalizing marijuana, he added.

Wolfe said he doesn't have high hopes of defeating incumbent Pat Bell or NDP
candidate Deborah Poff, but hopes his presence will inspire others to get
involved in the fight for marijuana legalization.

A recent Simon Fraser University study shows that B.C. would stand to
generate $2 billion a year in revenues by legalizing marijuana, Burnette
said. In addition, the marijuana trade currently pumps $8 billion a year
into the pockets of organized crime in B.C.

Legalization would mean many criminals may choose to go straight and
legitimate businesses would gain at the expense of organized crime, he
added.

Legalization would also provide new opportunities for farmers, hemp product
manufacturers and tourism, he added.

"If cigarettes and alcohol are legal, how can you say marijuana isn't
legal?" Burnette said.

Lung cancer and drunk drivers are far more dangerous to society than
marijuana use, he added.

Burnette said he is taking the 2005 election as a building year.

"Really it's a learning experience for myself," he said. "I've learned a lot
about local issues, people, industry everything that's important." 
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MAP posted-by: Josh