Pubdate: Wed, 29 Apr 2009
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Times Colonist
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html
Website: http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Margaret Hantiuk
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n455/a05.html

JAILING POT GROWERS WOULD COST A FORTUNE

I found the statement by federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson that 
marijuana is the "currency" that brings harder drugs into the country 
bang on. I have no doubt that it has fuelled the terrifying gangster 
infrastructure that we now live with. But I do not agree with his remedy.

His solution to jail all pot growers and sellers would cost the tax 
payer oodles more with ever-increasing policing and legal-system 
costs. Prisons would be bursting at the seams.

Legalize marijuana and regulate it just like the booze industry 
(which doesn't lead to hard drugs because it is legal).

It would bring millions of dollars into the economy, create jobs and 
give small farmers another cash crop.

The huge amount of taxes that could be garnered would be spent on 
regulating, rehab and addiction counselling and awareness programs.

Margaret Hantiuk

Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart