DEFLOWERING THE BIG BUD THEORY

Editor,

I'd like to commend Andrew McCredie for boldly putting forth his "Big
Bud Theory" (A Closer Look, June 28 issue).

While I disagree with certain aspects of it, I found Mc-Credie's
theory to be an insightful attempt at considering potential
socio-economic impacts resulting from a federal move to decriminalize
marijuana in Canada.

While I agree with the premise that "...there will be an explosion in
the number of home-based grow-ops throughout the country," once
decriminalization has been achieved, I must disagree with his
conclusion that, as a result, "...the entire socio-economic fabric of
Canada will implode as more and more of us choose to grow the stinky
crop over tending our fledgling careers of choice."

I think the exact opposite is true - Canada's social and economic
fabric will actually flourish in the wake of full decriminalization.
Canadian society will benefit from shedding its misguided, and
costly, war against Cannabis and the citizens that use it. In time, I
think our society will come to embrace the wisdom gained from
adopting a more open and tolerant approach toward cannabis and its
thousands of uses.

Public funds once mis-spent on policing, prosecution, and prisons can
be effectively redirected to fund many worthwhile social objectives
(i.e. health care and education).

Economically, Canada will be extremely well poised to become a global
leader in the cultivation of Cannabis for a broad range of industrial
uses. The impact to secondary, or spin-off, industries throughout the
fabric of Canadian society promises to strengthen the national
economy. Domestic producers of food, medicine, clothing, paper, rope,
construction materials, and bio-mass energy, can all expect to profit
from the decriminalization of Cannabis.

On the whole, I find "The Big Bud Theory" to be well intentioned, but
in need of some serious 'weeding,' if it hopes to grow alongside
national opinion that favours the decriminalization of Cannabis, and
Marijuana.

Andrew Bankley
North Vancouver

Editor,

The fly in the ointment of Andrew McCredie's Big Bud Theory is that
after cannabis is decriminalized, the typical $300,000 grow-op annual
harvest would be worth about $3,000. Hardly enough to make a living.
It is the black market that ensures high profits.

So if Mr. McCredie plans on taking his chances to get rich he had
best do it before decriminalization comes about. That is, if he can
stand the heat from police and take the risk he won't get robbed.
That is, if he is comfortable with the thought that "local
entrepreneurs" will drop by to tell him he has been drafted into the
monopoly they enforce - or else!

In my view, those willing to take the risk to help me enjoy my vices
deserve every penny they earn.

Chris Buors
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Editor,

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your big bud theory. When I realized
that it was satirical in nature, I had a laugh.

Of course, the scenario as laid out is not going to happen. When bud
becomes legal, the cost will drop as more people grow their own. Some
people will grow their own, as some people now brew their own beer
and wine. The government allows this, and there is a flourishing home
brewing market, but many just buy from the store rather than go to
the trouble of brewing their own.

The same will happen with bud, and there will be a lot of tax dollars
collected by the provinces. Perhaps that is why the federal
government is so interested in continuing this wasteful and stupid
war on drugs. They see legal pot as a net loss, as the reduced police
forces, prison guards, lawyers, prosecutors, judges, etc. pay less
federal income tax, and the provinces collect the taxes (as they do
currently with the drug alcohol), leading to a loss of income and
less power to the feds.

Bruce Symington
Medicine Hat, Alberta

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Editor,

I was certainly amused by Andrew McCredie's "Big Bud Theory."

Before Mr. McCredie seeks mortgage approval for his "modest five
bedroom place with a great view, huge deck, an indoor pool and a big,
big, big basement.", he should add a couple of considerations to his
analysis.

First, if growing marijuana were legal, why on earth would anyone
spend money on lights, water pumps, and electricity bills, take the
risk of stealing electricity, or even lose the use of their basement
for that matter, when they could simply plant seeds in their
backyard, and use their lawn sprinkler?

Second, in order for a commodity like pot to command a high price,
the demand for that commodity must outstrip the supply. Basic
economics.

John Schulien
Chicago, Illinois