Pubdate: Wed, 21 Nov 2012 Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC) Copyright: 2012 Canoe Inc Contact: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837 Author: Cameron MacLeod Page: 3 MARIJUANA DEBATE RELIT IN B.C. A decades-old debate regarding the legalization and taxation of marijuana has been reignited by a new study by researchers at the University of B.C. and Simon Fraser University. British Columbia's domestic cannabis market could be worth more than $500 million annually, resulting in $2.5 billion in tax and licensing revenues over the next 5 years, according to the study. But according to some experts, a successful taxation and regulation market in B.C. would need to take a public health approach. "Tobacco is probably our best model for regulating a mind-active, intoxicating drug," said SFU criminology professor Neil Boyd. "The difference between alcohol and tobacco has been in limiting the marketing and promotion of tobacco resulting in usage rates dropping from 60% of Canadians 50 years ago to 19% today." While legalization might increase tax revenue, many believe it wouldn't curb organized crime. "If people are thinking that we'll shrink organized crime, they're dreaming," said Darryl Plecas, a criminology professor at the University of the Fraser Valley. "At least 70% of our marijuana is exported. So long as it is not decriminalized or legalized everywhere, there will always be a black market." Irwin Cohen, research director of the BC Centre for Social Responsibility, agreed. "=C2=85If you take out ideology and morality, it's tricky to make the argument that (marijuana) is very harmful - but equally dangerous to assume the black market would disappear," Cohen told 24 hours. An estimated 85% of B.C.'s cannabis market is controlled by organized crime groups according to provincial policing agencies, resulting in 276 drive-by shootings in 2009. Although the province could push for non-enforcement of cannabis laws, any changes must take place at the federal level. In the meantime, the province can regulate who to arrest and prosecute, said B.C.'s former premier Ujjal Dosanjh. "The RCMP is ultimately a provincial police force," he said. "If the RCMP won't follow guidelines then perhaps it is time to look at implementing our own provincial police force." An Angus Reid public opinion poll found that 75% of British Columbians are in favour of regulating and taxing marijuana in a similar manner to the recent ballots in Washington and Colorado. Meanwhile, according to the B.C. Ministry of Justice, possession charges across B.C. increased by 88% during the past decade. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt