LEGALIZING POT IS THE ANSWER

Editor:

Re: Grow-op impact, TIMES Mailbag, June 13

Mayor Don MacLean seems to endorse the idea that doing something
about grow ops, even if the approach isn't very successful, is better
than doing nothing at all.

While I sympathize with the mayor in his frustration over grow ops,
if he genuinely wants to find a solution that will get rid of the
large grow ops in residential homes, he need look no further than the
2002 report by the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs
(www.SenateReport.ca).

The Senate Committee report stated it plainly, "The continued
prohibition of cannabis jeopardizes the health and well-being of
Canadians much more than does the substance itself."

The high demand for cannabis will ensure there is always a supply no
matter what laws or initiatives are put in place.

Leaving cannabis to the black market is the source of the many
problems that concern Mayor MacLean.

Legal, regulated sales of cannabis to adults is the way to
immediately take away a major source of funding for organized crime,
along with the related corruption and violence, and it will save
Canadian taxpayers about $1.5 billion each year.

Regulating and controlling the cannabis market is the only solution
that will work. Any other "solution" will only prolong the
prohibition-related harms.

For Canada's sake, Mayor MacLean, join the call for the repeal of
cannabis prohibition.

Herb Couch

Nelson