Pubdate: Tue, 30 Aug 2016
Source: News, The (New Glasgow, CN NS)
Page: 6
Copyright: 2016 Transcontinental Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ngnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3343

HOUSEHOLD DEALERS WEEDED OUT

A judge seemed bewildered Friday as she sentenced a Prince Edward 
Island man for selling drugs out of his home. Alfred William Gallant 
admitted to police he had been selling marijuana out his house for years.

He said he did so to pay for his own use - about seven or eight grams a day.

A report found his common-law spouse didn't view it as trafficking 
because it was only marijuana and he only sold to people he knew.

"You have to shake your head," Chief Judge Nancy Orr said.

She noted that even if marijuana laws change, these activities would 
still be illegal, and in the meantime, the law is quite clear.

Orr sentenced Gallant to four months in jail, along with 100 hours of 
community service and two years' probation.

Here's a question: how many of these low-level traffickers - how many 
other Alfred Gallants - are in our communities? A lot.

How many of them have been operating for years and made a small fortune? A lot.

And how many spouses and families have long turned a blind eye to 
their work, thinking it's OK or enjoying the extra income? A lot.

We're not suggesting that loved ones start ratting out their partners 
or parents. That's not where this is going. But we are going to 
suggest something bold. Household drug dealers - the folks who push 
in their cars, basements or garages - should get out of the business now.

Legislation to legalize marijuana is being introduced next spring and 
it's time you retired. Your work is done. The extra income is about 
to end. Government is going to put you out of business. And it's about time.

You've made too much money selling low-quality dope, with no 
conscience or concern.

The new supplier - or the entity that oversees the supplier - will 
have guidelines and rules to protect users and the public.

With a reported five doctors on its nine member legalization task 
force, Ottawa is apparently putting health as a priority in the new 
pot legislation.

When was the last time a small-time dealer thought of the health or 
well-being of his/her buyers? Never. Or not often enough. The feds 
are also consulting with addiction experts.

Do household dealers ever think about addiction other than wanting to 
get someone hooked so they'd buy more? Again, not often enough. So 
it's time for them to get out of the weed. Legalization will make it 
safer and legal for recreational pot users. It will also get rid of 
the low-level dealers. And good riddance to them.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom