Pubdate: Mon, 10 May 2004 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: CanWest News Services Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) TAX POT SALES, B.C. MAYOR URGES Revenue Could Be Used to Treat Drug Addictions VANCOUVER -- Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell says marijuana sales should be taxed and the revenue used to fund treatment for the effects of more serious drugs. Campbell made the suggestion Saturday in a speech to the annual meeting of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association. "Taxes levied on marijuana sales could add to the resources for treatment. Remember, the B.C. marijuana trade is estimated at $6 billion annually -- larger than construction or forestry," Campbell said. The former Mountie and coroner also noted that enforcement money freed up from legalizing pot could support treatment and better policing of other crimes. Campbell said he was calling for the regulated sale of marijuana along the lines of the way that sales are managed for tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. He cited the case of Amsterdam, noting that the status quo there is legal-but-regulated cultivation and sales. He said studies show that cannabis use among Dutch schoolchildren has fallen. Campbell said he is opposed to decriminalization because it does not deal with "real criminals" such as the dealers and the crimes they create. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager