LEGALIZE AND TAX MARIJUANA

IF the federal Conservatives were smart, they would decriminalize
simple possession of marijuana. Better yet, they should just market and tax it.

This may seem a bit extreme, but marijuana is no more dangerous than
alcohol or tobacco, and yet the government makes millions from taxes
on these products. Furthermore, criminalizing marijuana criminalizes
otherwise law-abiding people who use it. Legalizing it will also deny
gangs a significant source of revenue. Another consideration is that
the police surely have more important things to take care of -- such
as assault and robbery -- than possession of marijuana. If marketed
correctly, the government can grow marijuana organically and remove
harmful chemicals currently used in illegal grow ops. This could make
Canada millions, if you just set aside all of the pointless controversy.

Graham Constant

Opaskwayak