RCMP SHOULD TARGET POT SMOKERS

As a retired policeman, I read with some ironic amusement the March 8
letter from Kirk Stephens, headlined Marijuana not to blame for officers'
deaths.

The grow operation may have not been the main cause, but it was a leading
cause.

The decriminalization and possible eventual legalization of cannabis
marijuana will in no way prevent or even lessen a future tragedy like the
loss of the four young RCMP members.

An increased demand will only cause an increased supply. Even with
government legislation and regulation the federal government will, in all
likelihood, cause cannabis to be heavily taxed as a "sin tax," much like
tobacco and alcohol are now.

With an increased demand for cannabis, the criminal element - organized and
otherwise - will be more than happy to step in with an increased supply of
cheaper and more dangerous cannabis. This will, of course, cause more and
maybe larger grow operations to flourish and put Canada's peace officers in
increased peril.

Cannabis needs to be shut down at the source - the street-level user.

Edwin Cole, Red Deer County