Pubdate: Fri, 17 Nov 2017
Source: Intelligencer, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017, The Belleville Intelligencer
Contact: http://www.intelligencer.ca/letters
Website: http://www.intelligencer.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2332
Author: Larry Comeau
Page: A6

TRUDEAU OPENING MARKET FOR ORGANIZED CRIME

( Re: Feds set tax on pot at $ 1 per gram plus GST, Nov. 10 edition)

When Justin Trudeau first floated his marijuana legalization plan, to
get votes and new tax revenue, he claimed it was the best way to curb
black market sales, thereby keeping it away from children, who can
cause serious harm to their developing brains.

Now, by coming up with this substantial tax, Trudeau is throwing out
an open invitation to organized crime groups to grow and sell illicit
pot. To further compound the problem, Trudeau wants to allow anyone to
grown four marijuana plants, a huge gift to organized crime.

Sadly, I think what we will see is organized crime groups simply
switching from selling cigarettes, to selling pot. Unlike tobacco,
they can easily grow their own thereby substantially increasing profits.

I think Trudeau's logic about legalizing pot will keep it away from
our children is right out of fantasy land, as the exact opposite will
occur, as it has elsewhere where legalization has occurred.

Larry Comeau

Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Matt