Pubdate: Wed, 26 Feb 2014
Source: Sooke News Mirror (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Sooke News Mirror
Contact:  http://www.sookenewsmirror.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2142
Author: Dana Larsen

NOT TOO LATE FOR MARIJUANA REFORMS

Rally in Victoria. Thank you so much to everyone that made it to the 
rally at the provincial Legislature on February 11. It was so 
inspiring to see hundreds of our supporters gather from Victoria to 
Dawson Creek - and everywhere in between - to stand shoulder to 
shoulder in front of the Legislature.

It was a powerful reminder of the strength of our movement and our 
ongoing dedication to sensible marijuana policy reform.

Another step backwards. Tens of thousands of Canadians depend on 
medical marijuana every day. Yet the upcoming changes to the medical 
marijuana program will price many patients out of the market for 
their medicine.

Anyone that can't afford medical marijuana through the new system 
will either have to suffer without their medicine or turn to the black market.

Essentially, the Harper government is creating criminals out of 
otherwise law-abiding citizens and placing many of them at serious risk.

Medical users do not deserve to be criminalized or pushed into the 
black market because they can't afford their medicine at "market rates."

More drug law hypocrisy. The provincial government has decided to 
move forward with reform to liquor laws. Even though alcohol abuse 
kills approximately 100,000 Canadians every year, our politicians 
promote relaxed liquor laws while refusing to stand up for hundreds 
of thousands of British Columbians who support marijuana reform. 
We're not necessarily against the new liquor regulations, but it is 
utter hypocrisy to increase access to alcohol while also arresting 
more and more marijuana users each year. Marijuana is safer than 
alcohol, so why is the B.C. government driving us to drink? That's 
why we need to keep fighting!

Every action we take brings us one step closer to our goal. It's 
never too late. If you haven't had a chance to get involved yet get 
started today. Every action counts.

Dana Larsen Sensible BC Director
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom