Pubdate: Tue, 28 Jan 2014
Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC)
Page: Front Page
Copyright: 2014 Peace Arch News
Contact:  http://www.peacearchnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333
Author: Sarah Massah

Former Solicitor General Predicts Regulated Recreational Use In Three
To Four Years

LEGAL MARIJUANA 'ONLY A MATTER OF TIME'

Discussion on prohibition dominated a town-hall meeting last week on
legalizing marijuana.

About 75 people attended the meeting, sponsored by the federal
Liberals, at Sunnyside Hall Thursday evening.

Former MLA and solicitor general Kash Heed kicked off the forum
speaking on his experience in law enforcement. Referencing Colorado
and Washington, both of which are blazing the trail for marijuana
legalization in the U.S., Heed noted it is only a matter of time until
Canada follows suit.

"We will have a regulated market for marijuana in Canada for
recreational adult use in three to four years, regardless of who is in
power in Ottawa. Whether it's the Conservatives, the Liberals or even
the NDP," he said.

Heed was followed by presentations from UBC associate professor Mark
Haden, BC Marijuana Party's Steve Finlay (a co-organizer of Law
Enforcement Against Prohibition) and Liberal Party of Canada's B.C.
organization chair Sangeeta Lalli.

Half a dozen community members posed questions, including one woman
who asked if the panelists ever used marijuana, with Heed and Lalli
saying they had not.

"I'm not a virgin, let's keep it at that," Haden said,
laughing.

South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale MP Russ Hiebert did not return
Peace Arch News' request for an interview, but said in an emailed
response via his constituency assistant that his Conservative
government is focused on job creation and the economy, not marijuana.

"It is sad that the Liberals' top priority is the legalization of
pot," the email states. "This just demonstrates why they should not be
trusted to govern our nation.

"I do not support the legalization of marijuana or other illicit
drugs."  
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D