Pubdate: Tue, 02 Dec 2003
Source: Banner, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 The Orangeville Banner
Contact:  http://www.orangeville.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2217
Author: Chris Hagglund

LAWS BANNING MARIJUANA CREATE GROW HOUSES

Dear Editor,

Seriously, what did you expect when you pushed for laws to ban a plant that 
two million Canadians love to smoke? That the business would disappear? And 
stop selling pot to consumers who want it? Get real.

It's a $7 billion business annually and its prohibition that gives control 
of the business to organized criminals that like to grow it in cheap rental 
houses (well, cheaper than commercial space, that is for sure).

If pot were legal we could actually make laws that require growers to do it 
outdoors or in properly configured indoor spaces. If pot were legal we 
could put age and quality controls in place so that the kids have a harder 
time getting it and so that if and when they do get some at least it won't 
be poisoned. But we're such cowards. We'd rather pretend pot didn't exist.

You can be sure my kids are getting a real education about marijuana but 
sadly it won't come from your newspaper.

Chris Hagglund,

technology director, Ontario Consumers for Safe Access to Recreational 
Cannabis, Burlington
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom