Pubdate: Tue, 10 Sep 2013
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Judith Renaud

TICKETING POT USERS IS A WRONG-HEADED CASH GRAB

Re: Top Mountie stays mum on option to issue tickets for pot, Sept. 5

We know legalizing, regulating and taxing cannabis is the best 
approach for all Canadians, young and old. Educators are calling on 
an evidence-based drug curriculum to promote a more sensible program 
in our public schools, one that uses ideas, compassion and assistance 
when needed for kids who may use cannabis.

This is a health issue and not a criminal issue. We have allowed 
police officers to come into our schools who are simply messengers of 
failed drug policies. We need health care professionals and qualified 
drug educators in our public schools. The sooner we do this, the 
sooner our children will be safer and more equipped to deal with 
their own health and wellness.

Issuing tickets for pot is a cash-grab by police leaders from 
Victoria to Halifax. Ticketing will inevitably target those with 
substance addiction, those who live on the street, and those with 
little money for food and/or shelter.

We continue to make those less fortunate struggle again and again.

Meanwhile our neighbours to the south in Washington state, who 
recently legalized cannabis, announced that more than 349 new retail 
stores have opened catering to the business of cannabis. Washington, 
like Colorado, is reaping the rewards of safety, security and 
economic potential by legalizing, regulating and taxing cannabis.

Thank goodness Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada 
has listened to Canadians. He understands we must stop wasting police 
resources and stop putting a burden on the justice system and those 
less fortunate. He understands we must keep our youth safe because 
drug lords don't ask for identification before they sell pot. Failed 
drug laws and inappropriate drug policies victimize society. It is 
time to heal the wounds.

Judith Renaud Educators for Sensible Drug Policy, Gibsons
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom