Pubdate: Sat, 10 Nov 2012
Source: Goldstream Gazette (Victoria, CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Black Press
Contact: http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/contact_us/
Website: http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1291

TIME FOR A CHANGE TO B.C. POT LAWS

Marijuana reform advocates hope Washington and Colorado states' vote 
Tuesday to legalize and tax marijuana sales will add momentum to 
their push for change in B.C.

While it's not yet clear if the U.S. federal government will allow 
state-by-state legalization of recreational marijuana use - other 
states already allow medical marijuana sales - the vote has huge 
implications here.

Washington state estimates it would collect $560 million in the first 
year from a planned 25-per-cent tax on the sale of licensed, 
regulated marijuana through authorized stores.

If enacted, this could also cause a partial collapse of B.C.'s 
estimated $7-billion-a-year illegal pot industry, as growers relocate 
to the U.S. to avoid the need to smuggle.

Recently, the Union of B.C. Municipalities passed a resolution 
calling for marijuana to be decriminalized. They'd rather pot be 
regulated and taxed instead, much like alcohol.

The U.S. votes are a progressive move toward responsible marijuana 
use. It's time for B.C. to take a similar step toward 
decriminalization, if not legalization of marijuana. The potential 
tax revenue and the opportunity to reduce law enforcement costs, and 
help unclog our court system is too much to pass up.

The poll results south of the border sent a message that U.S. drug 
policies are not working. As Canada's drug policies follow the U.S. 
closely, it means ours aren't working either - it's time for a change.

Sensible B.C., a campaign headed by B.C. marijuana activist and 
medical pot dispenser Dana Larsen, wants to follow in the footsteps 
of both Washington campaigners and B.C.'s successful anti-HST drive. 
The group aims to get enough signatures on a petition to force a 
provincial referendum on marijuana decriminalization, through B.C.'s 
Recall and Initiative Act. The proposed Sensible Policing Act would 
block B.C. police from spending time or resources on searches, 
seizures or arrests for simple cannabis possession.

It's time we take our antiquated marijuana laws and follow the lead 
of our neighbours to the south and let the people decide if it's time 
for a change.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom