JAILING POT GROWERS WOULD COST A FORTUNE

I found the statement by federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson that
marijuana is the "currency" that brings harder drugs into the country
bang on. I have no doubt that it has fuelled the terrifying gangster
infrastructure that we now live with. But I do not agree with his remedy.

His solution to jail all pot growers and sellers would cost the tax
payer oodles more with ever-increasing policing and legal-system
costs. Prisons would be bursting at the seams.

Legalize marijuana and regulate it just like the booze industry
(which doesn't lead to hard drugs because it is legal).

It would bring millions of dollars into the economy, create jobs and
give small farmers another cash crop.

The huge amount of taxes that could be garnered would be spent on
regulating, rehab and addiction counselling and awareness programs.

Margaret Hantiuk

Victoria