Pubdate: Sun, 03 Dec 2006 Source: Quesnel Cariboo Observer (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Quesnel Cariboo Observer Contact: http://www.quesnelobserver.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1260 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1612/a06.html Author: Colleen Rolland NO EASY ANSWERS TO LEGALIZING POT Editor: Re: Right Reforms Key, Feedback, the Observer, Nov. 26. Someone has finally came up with what seems to be a very logical plan to improve upon our society by possibly redefining the illegal drug market trade. I am no expert on this subject but, doesn't our government only stand to benefit from this scenario of legalizing marijuana. It could not only prove profitable by saving our tax dollars in policing efforts, the courts and to better channel our efforts towards the hard drug market, there would be income from taxation and distribution of the product. Besides being potentially beneficial to our society, quality control and safe access would only benefit its users. With continual improvements to city bylaws in regards to public smoking, these policies and general alcohol laws should cover its use within city boundaries and public places. Legalizing marijuana would unlikely attract more new users than it already does. I'm having a hard time finding a downside to this idea. Over the years there have been many things that people have come to accept or tolerate such as alcohol, tobacco, crime, gay marriage, violence against all ages and sexes, women in the workforce to only name a few, so maybe now's the time to try and alter the disastrous course we are travelling on regarding our drug policy. Whether it be for the good or for the bad, this situation will continue to change. No matter what your opinion, maybe now is the time to voice it and be heard. Colleen Rolland Quesnel - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine