Pubdate: Tue, 20 Nov 2012
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Abbotsford News
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/BkAJKrUD
Website: http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155

TIME TO CHANGE POT LAWS

Marijuana reform advocates hope Washington and Colorado states' 
recent vote to legalize and tax marijuana sales will add momentum to 
their push for change in B.C.

Washington state estimates it would collect $560 million in the first 
year from a 25-per-cent tax on the sale of regulated marijuana 
through authorized stores.

If enacted, this could also cause a partial collapse of B.C.'s 
estimated $7-billion-a-year illegal pot industry, as growers relocate 
to the U.S. to avoid the need to smuggle.

Recently, the Union of B.C. Municipalities passed a resolution 
calling for marijuana to be decriminalized. They'd rather pot be 
regulated and taxed instead.

The U.S. votes are a progressive move toward responsible marijuana 
use. It's time for B.C. to take a similar step toward 
decriminalization, if not legalization of marijuana. The potential 
tax revenue and the opportunity to reduce law enforcement costs, and 
help unclog our court system is compelling.

The poll results south of the border sent a message that U.S. drug 
policies are not working. Ours aren't working either.

Sensible B.C., a campaign headed by B.C. marijuana activist and 
medical pot dispenser Dana Larsen, aims to get enough signatures on a 
petition to force a provincial referendum on marijuana 
decriminalization, through B.C.'s Recall and Initiative Act.

The proposed Sensible Policing Act would block B.C. police from 
spending time or resources on searches, seizures or arrests for 
simple cannabis possession.

It's time we take our antiquated marijuana laws and follow the lead 
of our neighbours to the south and let the people decide if it's time 
for a change.

- - The Burnaby Newsleader
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom