FORMER VANCOUVER MAYORS CALL FOR END TO MARIJUANA LAWS TO CURB GANG VIOLENCE

Four former Vancouver mayors have endorsed a coalition calling for an
end to marijuana laws in Canada, blaming them for rampant gang
violence. Larry Campbell, Mike Harcourt, Sam Sullivan and Philip Owen
all signed an open letter to politicians in B.C. Wednesday saying a
change in the law will reduce gang violence. They support the
position of the Stop the Violence BC coalition, which recently
released a survey showing most B.C. residents favour an end to the
marijuana laws. The letter says "marijuana prohibition is - without
question - a failed policy." "It is creating violent, gang-related
crime in our communities and fear among our citizens, and adding
financial costs for all levels of government-. Politicians cannot
ignore the status quo any longer, and must develop and deliver
alternative marijuana policies.-" the letter says.