LEGALIZATION IN B.C. CAN WORK

Two intriguing stories surfaced recently, at first blush, seemingly
unrelated, but on reflection maybe offering some semblance of
connection. The first dealt with a news release from former Vancouver
mayors, Philip Owen, Larry Campbell, Mike Harcourt and Sam Sullivan
who called for the legalization of marijuana.

Philip Owen expanded on the proposal saying, "It's time politicians
listened to their constituents and woke up to the possible benefits
of a new legalization, regulation and taxation regime."

Sam Sullivan said, "It is unconscionable, unacceptable and
unreasonable that the criminal element in B.C. is allowed to grow and
thrive due to the inaction on the part of the politicians."

Three days later, re-elected Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson joined
the ex-mayors with his endorsement of the marijuana legalization
move. There had to be a reason Robertson is called Mayor Moonbeam.

The other story dealt with declining provincial revenues. On Tuesday,
Finance Minister Kevin Falcon said provincial revenues were down $303
million in the second quarter and his objective of hitting a balanced
budget by the target date of 2013/14 was at some risk.

All of which begs the question, could taxed and legalized pot, pump
up the B.C. treasury? Could we toke our way to prosperity? How about
a Kevin Falcon Budget Speech titled, "This bud's for you."

First, a light-hearted look at the possibilities and potential
revenues, then a harder-nosed take on political reality.

The four ex-mayors came to their opinion following a poll done by The
Stop the Violence Coalition showing B.C. residents don't have faith
in any level of government to reduce the criminal, health and social
harms stemming from the illegal marijuana trade.

A vast majority of respondents said prohibition isn't working. No
surprise at this result and no matter what you think of pot, or any
illegal drug use, it's obvious the drug trade is successful,
unrepentant and well beyond the reach of authorities. It's a huge and
profitable enterprise.

The mayors - and many others - make the point that if we can't beat
them then let's join them. Get in the business, tax the profits and
lessen the expense of attempting to police the gang-run pot trade.

It's difficult to calculate the extra revenue B.C could raise by way
of a legalized and taxed marijuana program, but this year's budget
shows tobacco tax and liquor taxes will collectively contribute $1.6
billion to the provincial treasury.

Coincidently that's what we owe the feds from the failed HST referendum.

Would legalized and taxed marijuana generate that same amount? Who
knows, but for calculation purposes it's a start.

To this rough guess, throw in the cost reduction incurred by reduced
police and court expenses if pot possession and use ceased to be a crime.

Of course there would be expenses, most extensively the creation of
an authority to monitor legalized growers and distributors.

That's the upside. The legalization of a regulated marijuana industry
in B.C. can be accomplished. We have the facilities, the government
infrastructure and most certainly the market to make it successful,
but that's where it ends.

No sooner had the Vancouver mayors made their pro-pot pitch when
Prime Minister Harper said, "That won't happen under our government."

And therein lies the problem; marijuana use falls under the federal
Controlled Drugs and Substance Act and any changes to the act would
require approval from the House of Commons where Stephen Harper
currently holds a majority. And in case you hadn't noticed, Harper
has taken a hard line on what he sees as law and order issues.

Plus, his fundamentalist support base would probably light their
blue-rinse tresses on fire if Harper gave way to the sinful buzz of
Godless tokers.

Consider the pot prohibition proposal file closed - for now. But,
that doesn't mean the drug problem has gone away.

There is an international drug war; drugs are winning and will
continue to do so as long as there is market for the product. The
current prohibition of drugs is no more effective in the world today
than the U.S. prohibition of alcohol was in the 1930s.

The proposal by the former Vancouver mayors is a start. Now it's time
for politicians at all levels to recognize our Canadian drug laws for
what they are; which is nothing more than a massive and futile
expense solely and perfectly designed to benefit criminals.