Pubdate: Fri, 29 Mar 2013
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2013 The Calgary Sun
Contact: http://www.calgarysun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Bill Kaufmann
Page: 16

LEGAL POT PREDICTED FOR CANADA LICKETY SPLIFF

Colorado's decriminalization of marijuana spreading to Canada is no
pipe dream, the state's governor said in Calgary Thursday.

Last November, Colorado and Washington state voted to end their war on
cannabis, with both states moving to develop a distribution system
similar to retailing alcohol.

Colorado's Democratic governor John Hickenlooper said the move was
inevitable, as is the policy's ultimate adoption by Canada.

"It's going to happen here, it's going to happen everywhere," he said.
"Both countries are becoming more progressive every year, you see it
in every social arena."

But he did say concerns remain over what he calls modern, "high
octane" pot that some scientists believe impair long term memory when
consumed excessively by younger teens.

"Your memory's such a huge part of your existence so we have to make
sure we regulate it very tightly and keep it out of the hands of
kids," said Hickenlooper.

The state and local governments expect to rake in more than $46
million from pot sales annually while saving $12 million in law
enforcement costs.

Alberta Justice Minister Jonathan Denis has greeted the idea cooly,
adding he won't press the issue, which lies in federal
jurisdiction.

The Harper government has introduced tougher laws on even small
marijuana growers, while some medical pot users fear Ottawa is making
it harder for them to acquire their cannabis mediColorado's
decriminalization of marijuana spreading to Canada is no pipe dream,
the state's governor said in Calgary Thursday.

Last November, Colorado and Washington state voted to end their war on
cannabis, with both states moving to develop a distribution system
similar to retailing alcohol.

Colorado's Democratic governor John Hickenlooper said the move was
inevitable, as is the policy's ultimate adoption by Canada.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt