Pubdate: Mon, 19 Nov 2007
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Page: A 10
Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Stuart Johnston
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1307/a05.html

THE PUSH TO LEGALIZE POT ISN'T CUT AND DRIED

Hallelujah to Simon Fraser economist Stephen Easton for his opinion 
about marijuana. I found it amusing when a new task force recently 
was created to address the gang-war problem arising locally. How we 
love to create simplistic "might" will create right solutions and 
policies similar to America's war on drugs. Today's issues related to 
underground marijuana production are strikingly similar to the 
Prohibition era. Unlike alcohol, however, should cannabis be 
legalized, it will not lead to increased levels of violence, domestic 
abuse, and accelerated levels of incarceration.

We need to turn a corner in our thinking and understand that the fear 
we have about marijuana use leading to more serious kinds of drug use 
is a myth. The question is whether we can move forward and embrace 
policy based on evidence, or do we instead, like the days of old, let 
the moralistic views of a few dictate the direction for everyone? I 
hope we find the political will sooner rather than later to adopt 
progressive policies about marijuana based more on fact than on fear.

Stuart Johnston

Osoyoos
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