If we want to regulate where, when and how adults can consume marijuana, the answer is as simple as legalizing the substance and regulating it. But, let's consider some things before we get ourselves all worked up about a little public marijuana use. Walk down Robson Street and be overpowered by the smell of "Lush" a cosmetics store, for half a block in either direction. I get a headache every time I pass it. When I walk or bike down the street, I'm forced to inhale noxious smoke from cars and trucks. Pollution from burning gas causes cancer, birth defects, and global warming, yet cars travel our streets in higher numbers every year. [continues 88 words]
To the Editor: Thought you might want to be aware of this. Yesterday the Government announced funding for the Canadian Schizophrenia Society to study Marijuana and mental health. The problem, is that instead of a credible research organization, this is a group led by an unpublished, inexperienced researcher, without the credentials to undertake such a study. What is interesting, is he does happen to be an Evangelical Christian. When our esteemed Prime Minister is so openly discussing his desire for a Majority, this kind of thing is exactly what Canadians need to know. Jacob Hunter, Policy Director, Beyond Prohibition Foundation. [end]
Bill C-15 is a dangerous and radical change in Canadian drug policy that will further enrich gangsters, create more violence on our streets, and assuredly fail to reduce either the demand for, or the availability of, drugs in our society. This statement may seem bold. But it is backed by the preponderance of available science. Comprehensive studies published by the Senate of Canada, the Canadian Department of Justice, the European Commission, the U.S. Congressional Research Service, the Fraser Institute, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Rand Corporation all support the view that mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offences are useless at best. At worst, these policies will increase the dangers associated with the drug markets and, therefore, the chaos created on our streets. [continues 382 words]
Bill C-15 is a dangerous and radical change in Canadian drug policy that will further enrich gangsters, create more violence on our streets and assuredly fail to reduce either the demand for, or the availability of, drugs in our society. This statement may seem bold. But it is backed by the preponderance of available science. Comprehensive studies published by the Senate of Canada, the Canadian Department of Justice, the European Commission, the US Congressional Research Service, the Fraser Institute, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Rand Corporation all support the view that mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offences are useless at best. At worst, these policies will increase the dangers associated with the drug markets and, therefore, the chaos created on our streets. [continues 841 words]
Jon Ferry presents a false choice between drug legalization and prevention. In reality, the choice is between prohibition and prevention. Prohibition, or the enforcement of drug laws, takes up 73 per cent of anti-drug resources. Prevention, of which just say no is a part, receives a meagre 2.6 per cent of those resources. The prohibition of drugs isn't working. Indeed, drugs are more available than ever and criminal organizations are making huge profits by providing drugs to a willing population. [continues 124 words]
Bill C-15 is a dangerous and radical change in Canadian drug policy that will further enrich gangsters, create more violence on our streets and assuredly fail to reduce either the demand for, or the availability of, drugs in our society. This statement may seem bold. But it is backed by the preponderance of available science. Comprehensive studies published by the Senate of Canada, the Canadian Department of Justice, the European Commission, the US Congressional Research Service, the Fraser Institute, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Rand Corporation all support the view that mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offences are useless at best. At worst, these policies will increase the dangers associated with the drug markets and, therefore, the chaos created on our streets. [continues 848 words]
Mark Tonner claims the commercial transport of legal marijuana would be hazardous beyond belief. Why? Expensive and valuable goods are transported on our roads every day, including many which are far more valuable. By Tonner's logic, the end of alcohol prohibition would have seen similar danger in transport. Yet, trucks emblazoned with names like Molson drive our streets in relative safety with nary a sign of Al Capone. Tonner asserts liquor stores would need military-grade protection if they sold legal pot. [continues 98 words]
Outspoken marijuana activist Marc Emery, currently facing extradition to the U.S., has expressed outrage at the size of the federal deficit. The best option for overcoming this recession is ending marijuana prohibition, he says. The estimated size of the cannabis market in Canada is between $25 billion and $40 billion, which could provide an estimated $5 billion in sales taxes. Most Canadians support cannabis law reform, with as many as 62% favouring legalization. Jacob Hunter B.C. Marijuana Party (High hopes.) [end]
