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.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager