Pubdate: Tue, 17 Jun 2008
Source: Maple Ridge Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.mrtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1372
Author: Herb Couch
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n587/a09.html

LEGALIZING POT IS THE ANSWER

Editor:

Re: Grow-op impact, TIMES Mailbag, June 13

Mayor Don MacLean seems to endorse the idea that doing something 
about grow ops, even if the approach isn't very successful, is better 
than doing nothing at all.

While I sympathize with the mayor in his frustration over grow ops, 
if he genuinely wants to find a solution that will get rid of the 
large grow ops in residential homes, he need look no further than the 
2002 report by the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs 
(www.SenateReport.ca).

The Senate Committee report stated it plainly, "The continued 
prohibition of cannabis jeopardizes the health and well-being of 
Canadians much more than does the substance itself."

The high demand for cannabis will ensure there is always a supply no 
matter what laws or initiatives are put in place.

Leaving cannabis to the black market is the source of the many 
problems that concern Mayor MacLean.

Legal, regulated sales of cannabis to adults is the way to 
immediately take away a major source of funding for organized crime, 
along with the related corruption and violence, and it will save 
Canadian taxpayers about $1.5 billion each year.

Regulating and controlling the cannabis market is the only solution 
that will work. Any other "solution" will only prolong the 
prohibition-related harms.

For Canada's sake, Mayor MacLean, join the call for the repeal of 
cannabis prohibition.

Herb Couch

Nelson
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom