Pubdate: Wed, 11 Apr 2012
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Richard Rolke
Cited: Stop the Violence BC: http://stoptheviolencebc.org/

CITY OF VERNON WANTS POT REGULATED

Vernon politicians have joined the chorus calling for marijuana laws 
to be scrapped.

Council voted Tuesday to ask the federal government to regulate 
cannabis as a way of reducing crime, rationalizing police resources 
and creating a new source of revenue for communities.

"Prohibition and criminalization hasn't worked. This is a possibility 
of a new approach," said Coun. Bob Spiers.

Mayor Rob Sawatzky also supports legalizing access to marijuana.

"Most well informed people who have studied the issue have determined 
prohibition is a failed policy," he said.

A retired physician, Sawatzky believes decriminalization could lead 
to better ways of handling addiction.

"Drinking is more open (because it's legal) and you can deal with 
alcoholics. It's difficult to deal with criminals," he said of 
treatment programs.

Opposition came from Coun. Brian Quiring.

"I can't ever support the legalization of marijuana. I've seen what 
it does," he said.

Quiring says he understands the argument that legalizing marijuana 
may reduce crime and gang activities, but he still doesn't believe 
that route should be followed.

"It's not good for the community," he said.

The city's actions come after a presentation from Stop the Violence B.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom