Pubdate: Fri, 23 Nov 2012
Source: Penticton Western (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Penticton Western
Contact:  http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310

STUDY DELIVERS ANOTHER BLOW TO MARIJUANA LAWS

A study released this month has revealed the cost the failed war on
drugs is having on the British Columbia economy.

A new study by a coalition of researchers from the University of
British Columbia and Simon Fraser University estimates the B.C.
cannabis market could provide the government with $2.5 billion in tax
and licensing revenues over the next five years.

"If you begin to stand back and calculate just how much potential tax
revenue is instead going to fuel organized crime, it really highlights
how we need to start questioning our current approach," said Dr. Evan
Wood, senior author of the study.

The study is just the latest blow against those who remain committed
to preserve and protect the profit margins of organized crime. The
study challenges one of the primary arguments against regulating
marijuana: that the market cannot be taxed. Critics had previously
pointed to U.S. drug laws as a reason why B.C. shouldn't move towards
decriminalization. But when Colorado and Washington state voters
approved the legalization of marijuana use, that argument went up in
smoke.

"When you look at the enormous potential to save on policing costs,
raise government revenue and wage economic war on organized crime, you
understand why U.S. states have recently taken the taxation and
regulation approach," said former B.C. premier Ujjal Dosanjh.

The list of those calling for changes to marijuana laws has grown to
include those from across the political spectrum. The Union of B.C.
Municipalities passed a resolution earlier this year calling for the
decriminalization of marijuana. Stop the Violence B.C. is a group B.C.
law enforcement officials, politicians, legal experts and public
health officials advocating changes to the government's marijuana policies.

It seems the only ones left still supporting the current drug laws are
those who make their living in organized crime - and their unwitting
allies in the provincial and federal governments.
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MAP posted-by: Matt