Pubdate: Fri, 30 Aug 2013
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Glenda Barr
Cited: Sensible BC: http://www.sensiblebc.ca

CONSIDER IMPACT OF LAWS; SUPPORT SENSIBLE B.C

Starting Sept. 9, the Sensible B.C. campaign will begin collecting 
signatures in support of ending police enforcement of the law against 
possession of small quantities of cannabis in B.C. More than 400,000 
signatures will be required, including 10% of the electorate in each riding.

This would be a cost-saving measure, and would free up police 
resources to spend more time enforcing laws that protect our citizens.

Another benefit would be the avoidance of criminalizing otherwise 
law-abiding citizens. The stigma of a criminal record is 
life-changing, limiting opportunities in employment, education, and travel.

An 18 year-old who has the misfortune to be caught possessing 
cannabis faces a lifetime of restrictions that are detrimental to the 
individual and to society as a whole, because this person is not able 
to contribute as fully as would be possible without this stigma.

It is well-established that the use of tobacco and alcohol impose 
more harms on our society than using cannabis. Prohibition did not 
work with alcohol, and it does not work with cannabis.

Please take the time to consider the impacts of the enforcement of 
these laws, and to understand the issues.

Glenda Barr

Lantzville
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom