Pubdate: Tue, 03 Sep 2013
Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013, BC Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n450/a13.html
Author: Glenda Barr

DECRIMINALIZATION WOULD SAVE POLICING COSTS LONG-TERM

To the Editor,

Re: Pot activist signing up volunteers, Aug. 27.

Starting Sept. 9, the Sensible B.C. campaign will begin collecting
signatures in support of ending police enforcement of the law against
possession of small quantities of cannabis in BC.

This would be a cost-saving measure, and would free up police
resources to spend more time enforcing laws that protect our citizens.

Another benefit would be the avoidance of criminalizing otherwise
law-abiding citizens. The stigma of a criminal record is
life-changing, limiting opportunities in employment, education, and
travel. An 18 year old who has the misfortune to be caught possessing
cannabis faces a lifetime of restrictions that are detrimental to the
individual and to society as a whole, because this person is not able
to contribute as fully as would be possible without this stigma.

It is well established that the use of tobacco and alcohol impose more
harms on our society than using cannabis. Prohibition did not work
with alcohol, and it does not work with cannabis.

Please take the time to consider the impacts of the enforcement of
these laws.

Glenda Barr,

Lantzville
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MAP posted-by: Matt