LEGITIMATE FARMERS DON'T STEAL POWER

To the Editor,

Regarding Rick Thurmeier's column (Chamber opinions help shape
government policy, Oct. 24), B.C.'s hazardous marijuana grow
operations are a direct result of marijuana prohibition.

Legitimate farmers do not steal electricity to grow produce in the
basements of rented homes.

If legal, growing marijuana would be less profitable then farming tomatoes.

As it stands, the drug war distorts market forces such that an easily
grown weed becomes literally worth its weight in gold.

Rather than continue to subsidize organized crime, Canadian
policymakers should ignore the reefer madness hysteria of the U.S.
government and instead to look their own Senate for guidance.

In the words of Senator Pierre Claude Nolin, "Scientific evidence
overwhelmingly indicates that cannabis is substantially less harmful
than alcohol and should be treated not as a criminal issue, but as a
social and public health issue."

Robert Sharpe

Washington, DC