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