Pubdate: Mon, 22 Oct 2012
Source: Prince George Citizen (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Prince George Citizen
Contact:  http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/350
Author: John Warner
Page: 7

LEGALIZING POT MOVES PROFITS FROM CRIMINALS TO GOVERNMENT

In her October 18ths letter, Joya Danyluk voiced her concerns about
the legalization of marijuana but it has one serious flaw.

Most everyone who feels they would like to smoke marijuana is already
doing it. Pot is available anywhere. Yes, there are health and social
issues brought on by marijuana use. But keeping it illegal is doing
nothing to slow down the problem. It is only providing a wonderful
source of profit for organized crime.

Legalizing the sale of the product would control the quality of the
pot and would realize tax revenues for government. Under the present
arrangement organized crime is making the profits and they have no
interest in ensuring they are selling a "safe" product.

Legalizing pot will not solve all of the problems. Legalizing booze
didn't solve all of the problems associated with it - but it did
eliminate the criminal element that was involved in it while
prohibition existed. And government has realized huge tax revenues.

I am 77 years old, have no interest in smoking pot, but put me down as
in favour of legalization.

John Warner

Prince George
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MAP posted-by: Matt