Pubdate: Tue, 08 Mar 2005
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Jesse Alexander
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?188 (Outlaw Bikers)

AN EYE-OPENER

This tragedy should serve as an eye-opener for Canadians, many of whom are 
content to consume marijuana in blissful (and willful) ignorance of where 
it's coming from.

I have hotly debated this issue with my twentysomething peers, who often 
assure me that marijuana is grown in people's basements and closets with no 
harm done.

As the events in Alberta and the Hells Angels' continuing domination of the 
drug trade demonstrate, the reality is that marijuana production is a 
criminal industry worth billions of dollars, not a bohemian botanical hobby.

The gravity of this situation, which has cost many lives, especially in 
Quebec, needs to enter the minds of recreational pot smokers. Regardless of 
one's position on the legal status of marijuana, I hope that conscientious 
consumerism of marijuana can be expected, in the same way as when one buys 
fairly traded or ethically manufactured goods. If not, the toll of 
marijuana-related crimes is sure to rise and consumers will have to bear 
their share of the responsibility.

Jesse Alexander,

Ottawa 
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MAP posted-by: Beth