Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jul 2001 Source: The Outlook (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 The Outlook Contact: http://www.northshoreoutlook.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1433 Authors: Andrew Bankley, Chris Buors, Bruce Symington and John Schulien Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Related article: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1152/a04.html DEFLOWERING THE BIG BUD THEORY Editor, I'd like to commend Andrew McCredie for boldly putting forth his "Big Bud Theory" (A Closer Look, June 28 issue). While I disagree with certain aspects of it, I found Mc-Credie's theory to be an insightful attempt at considering potential socio-economic impacts resulting from a federal move to decriminalize marijuana in Canada. While I agree with the premise that "...there will be an explosion in the number of home-based grow-ops throughout the country," once decriminalization has been achieved, I must disagree with his conclusion that, as a result, "...the entire socio-economic fabric of Canada will implode as more and more of us choose to grow the stinky crop over tending our fledgling careers of choice." I think the exact opposite is true - Canada's social and economic fabric will actually flourish in the wake of full decriminalization. Canadian society will benefit from shedding its misguided, and costly, war against Cannabis and the citizens that use it. In time, I think our society will come to embrace the wisdom gained from adopting a more open and tolerant approach toward cannabis and its thousands of uses. Public funds once mis-spent on policing, prosecution, and prisons can be effectively redirected to fund many worthwhile social objectives (i.e. health care and education). Economically, Canada will be extremely well poised to become a global leader in the cultivation of Cannabis for a broad range of industrial uses. The impact to secondary, or spin-off, industries throughout the fabric of Canadian society promises to strengthen the national economy. Domestic producers of food, medicine, clothing, paper, rope, construction materials, and bio-mass energy, can all expect to profit from the decriminalization of Cannabis. On the whole, I find "The Big Bud Theory" to be well intentioned, but in need of some serious 'weeding,' if it hopes to grow alongside national opinion that favours the decriminalization of Cannabis, and Marijuana. Andrew Bankley North Vancouver - ----------------------------------------------- Editor, The fly in the ointment of Andrew McCredie's Big Bud Theory is that after cannabis is decriminalized, the typical $300,000 grow-op annual harvest would be worth about $3,000. Hardly enough to make a living. It is the black market that ensures high profits. So if Mr. McCredie plans on taking his chances to get rich he had best do it before decriminalization comes about. That is, if he can stand the heat from police and take the risk he won't get robbed. That is, if he is comfortable with the thought that "local entrepreneurs" will drop by to tell him he has been drafted into the monopoly they enforce - or else! In my view, those willing to take the risk to help me enjoy my vices deserve every penny they earn. Chris Buors Winnipeg, Manitoba - ------------------------------------------------ Editor, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your big bud theory. When I realized that it was satirical in nature, I had a laugh. Of course, the scenario as laid out is not going to happen. When bud becomes legal, the cost will drop as more people grow their own. Some people will grow their own, as some people now brew their own beer and wine. The government allows this, and there is a flourishing home brewing market, but many just buy from the store rather than go to the trouble of brewing their own. The same will happen with bud, and there will be a lot of tax dollars collected by the provinces. Perhaps that is why the federal government is so interested in continuing this wasteful and stupid war on drugs. They see legal pot as a net loss, as the reduced police forces, prison guards, lawyers, prosecutors, judges, etc. pay less federal income tax, and the provinces collect the taxes (as they do currently with the drug alcohol), leading to a loss of income and less power to the feds. Bruce Symington Medicine Hat, Alberta - ----------------------------------------------- Editor, I was certainly amused by Andrew McCredie's "Big Bud Theory." Before Mr. McCredie seeks mortgage approval for his "modest five bedroom place with a great view, huge deck, an indoor pool and a big, big, big basement.", he should add a couple of considerations to his analysis. First, if growing marijuana were legal, why on earth would anyone spend money on lights, water pumps, and electricity bills, take the risk of stealing electricity, or even lose the use of their basement for that matter, when they could simply plant seeds in their backyard, and use their lawn sprinkler? Second, in order for a commodity like pot to command a high price, the demand for that commodity must outstrip the supply. Basic economics. John Schulien Chicago, Illinois - --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe