Pubdate: Mon, 28 Jun 2004 Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 Calgary Herald Contact: http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66 Author: Allison Budd FIGHT HARD DRUGS As the Fraser Institute has reaffirmed, the production and distribution of marijuana is a highly profitable business that pays no tax, takes up a significant amount of police time and has been impossible to eradicate. Drug profits are so huge, they have the potential to undermine our democratic processes. Drug money can be used to bribe police officers, public officials and politicians. Legalizing, taxing and controlling the production and sale of marijuana could significantly erode this underground industry. The revenues could be put towards fighting the hard-drug trade and organized crime as well as treatment for addicts. This would be far more beneficial for all Canadians than the status quo. Allison Budd Calgary - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake