LEGAL POT INDUSTRY A BETTER SOLUTION

Re: "Campaign should pass on pot," editorial, Aug. 27.

I agree that Federal Health Minister Tony Clement should leave out
marijuana from his proposed anti-drug campaign. But I don't agree
with those who would propose decriminalizing possession of cannabis
as a solution either.

The Senate Committee Report in 2002 specifically cautioned against
such a move. To decriminalize marijuana while ignoring its production
is fruitless.

I believe that most consumers are law-abiding citizens who would
prefer to purchase their cannabis from a legal source and not support
the black market.

After all, if the cost is the same and the quality, availability and
convenience are improved, the consumer will choose the legal product.

Why do I want a legal industry? As a taxpayer I want the cannabis
industry to pay income tax and I want the consumer to pay excise tax.
(Medical exemptees would not pay excise tax.)

By starting with a large number of licensed producers and by reducing
the number over time, we allow today's producers to have an
opportunity to be part of the legitimate industry. By limiting large
industrial-sized operations we discourage the criminally organized
groups from dominating the transition.

Of course, there will always be those who will operate outside of the
regulated industry. And there will continue to be mechanisms to deal
with those who do not participate in the legal market.

Fred Mallach,

Victoria.