Pubdate: Fri, 23 Nov 2007 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1348/a09.html Author: Eric Lofgren NEW POT LEGISLATION IS HALF-BAKED Re: B.C. will need more jail space for pot growers, Nov. 21 On behalf of prosecutors, defence lawyers, the prison-industrial complex and organized gangs all over the country, I would like to thank the Stephen Harper government for making the pot industry more profitable than it already is. The "more illegal" a substance becomes, the greater the rewards that stand to be gained by those who are willing to bear the increased risks. Sure, the stiffer penalties will scare off some growers, but they will likely be the ma-and-pa operators, single moms (just like on the television show Weeds), and those growing small amounts for personal use. Since it is typically only gangs and hardened criminals who are willing to bear the risks, the Conservatives' legislation will have the exact opposite effect of what was intended -- i.e., the growth, sale and distribution of pot will fall even further into the clutches of gangs, along with escalated violence and the collateral damage that goes with it. Nice going, Mr. Harper: If you want us to become more like the United States -- with its high rate of incarceration and a federal prison population of which two-thirds are drug offenders, yet with illicit drugs more available than ever before -- you are on the right track. Eric Lofgren Vancouver - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart