Pubdate: Fri, 13 Jul 2007
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: David Dunlop

MARIJUANA LAWS DO HARM, NOT GOOD

It's remarkable that Canada has almost three times more pot smokers 
than Holland, where it is legal. The main effects our laws seem to 
have is ensuring that we spend more money on ineffective police 
enforcement and incarceration of otherwise law-abiding citizens.

Gangs like it illegal because it makes them lots of money, much of 
which is used to promote other criminal activities and some to 
finance terrorism.

There is more damage done to individuals by giving them criminal 
records, limiting their travel and careers, than from occasionally smoking pot.

The prohibition against alcohol didn't work; isn't it time we 
smartened up and changed our approach to pot? Wouldn't selling it in 
the liquor stores and using the tax money collected for some good be 
a better approach?

David Dunlop,

Sidney.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom