Pubdate: Wed, 14 Nov 2012
Source: Campbell River Mirror (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Campbell River Mirror
Contact:  http://www.campbellrivermirror.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1380

TIME FOR CHANGE TO B.C. POT LAWS

We say: Let's follow the lead of our neighbours to the south

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. 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.

- - Black Press
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MAP posted-by: Matt