Pubdate: Sat, 13 May 2000
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: The Vancouver Sun 2000
Contact:  200 Granville Street, Ste.#1, Vancouver BC V6C 3N3
Fax: (604) 605-2323
Website: http://www.vancouversun.com/
Author: Michael Jung

CANADA CANNOT LEGALIZE POT UNTIL U.S. DOES

As long as marijuana remains illegal in the U.S., it is Pollyannaish to 
believe that it can be legalized in Canada (Bust or back off, May 12). The 
disparity in size between our two countries dictates the agenda of law 
enforcement here, whether we like it or not. The huge demand for illegal 
drugs south of the border alone is temptation enough to inspire illegal 
grow-ops in B.C. To assume legalizing marijuana will reduce the number of 
these illegal sites is naive.

Smuggling the crop south is too tempting given the large sums of money that 
can be earned by enterprising growers and sellers. However, distribution of 
the crop involves forging links with organized crime groups and individuals 
with shady reputations. Money earned will be smuggled back into Canada and 
laundered, with no taxes paid. Do we really want a country where our 
neighbours are profiting from the proceeds of criminal activities , while 
we play by the rules and fall behind.

Proponents of legalization paint a benign picture of the effects of the 
drug. They sound remarkably like certain cigarette company executives 
several years ago, don't you think? It's time to stop dreaming that 
legalizing a problem will make it go away. Strict enforcement and stiffer 
sentencing are not the best solutions, but they are the better solution.

Michael Jung

Vancouver
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