Pubdate: Fri, 28 Sep 2012
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352

MAYORS PRESENT LOGICAL APPROACH

It's unlikely that B.C.'s mayors, councillors and regional district
directors took a call for marijuana decriminalization lightly.

After all, addiction to drugs has had a devastating impact on
individuals and families. For many, abuse has resulted in pain and
tragedy.

However, civic leaders are demonstrating leadership by questioning
current legislative and enforcement policies.

For those residents who pursue pot recreationally and have one or two
plants, they are lumped in with gangs and hardened criminals who prey
on the weakness of others.

Most B.C. communities, including in the North Okanagan, have
experienced the violence associated with criminal organizations. It is
municipalities, through their taxpayers, who are left struggling with
the increasing cost of policing.

Large-scale grow-ops also create a significant health risk for
residents living nearby as well as emergency personnel who respond to
the scene.

Kevin Acton, Lumby's mayor, says there is no choice but to reconsider
marijuana laws.

"We want to put control in the hands of regulators. By being illegal,
we keep activities underground," he said.

It should be pointed out that demands for regulating marijuana come
from officials from communities big and small, urban and rural. They
can't be simply dismissed as radicals.

On top of this, calls for decriminalization have come from the Health
Officers Council of B.C., four former mayors of Vancouver and four
former B.C. attorneys general.

Hopefully, the federal government will take notice of the rationale
debate in B.C. and consider the possibility that current laws may not
be working.

Ottawa must join the conversation.
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MAP posted-by: Matt