Pubdate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009
Source: Daily Gleaner (CN NK)
Copyright: 2009 Brunswick News Inc.
Contact:  http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3857
Page:B6
Author: Bruce Codere
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n826/a07.html?1402

WE'VE MADE THE POLICE OUR MOST EXPENSIVE WEED PULLERS

Re: Story published Aug. 29 called RCMP taking a bite out of outdoor grow-ops

Law enforcement efforts "taking a bite out of" the cannabis supply is 
hyperbole.

This annual eradication effort is costly public theatre, giving the 
illusion that something is being accomplished. However, 80-95 per 
cent of grow-ops escape the RCMP.

Instead it provides job security for police and gives their unions 
more resources with which to influence policy makers away from 
cannabis law reform, fibbing that "it sends the wrong message."

Police unions, specifically the Canadian Police Association, are the 
top lobby groups against reform. A majority of Canadians favour 
legalizing cannabis, and two thirds of British Columbia residents in 
a recent poll favoured legalizing to decrease violence.

The public deserves more effort from journalists on this important 
issue. Where are the questions about the cost and effectiveness of 
these annual eradication efforts?

We've made the police our most expensive weed pullers, and even 
enlist army personnel and helicopters at exorbitant cost.

"The continued prohibition of cannabis jeopardizes the health and 
well-being of Canadians much more than does the substance itself." 
This is from the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs, 2002 
(http://www.senatereport.ca)

That's an understatement. Cannabis is less harmful than chocolate 
chip cookies or table salt.

Bruce Codere
Fox Creek, Alta.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart