INJUSTICE BEING DONE TO CANNABIS ACTIVISTS

The government's shameful persecution of cannabis activists continues
unabated. The trafficking conviction of Ted Smith, a recognized political
activist, for merely passing out joints at a rally follows closely on the
heels of Marc Emery's three-month jail stint, also for passing a joint.

When did sharing cannabis with friends and political supporters become
"trafficking?" Though the law technically allows convictions even where no
money is exchanged, there is a terrible injustice being done when political
activists are targeted and treated more harshly because of their outspokenness.

A majority of Canadians don't even want the government to prosecute
cannabis users criminally. It is far past time to end the harmful and
unjust policy of cannabis prohibition. Prohibition has failed to reduce
supply or demand, and imposes significant financial and social burdens on
all British Columbians. And now, with the government targeting activists
for harsher penalties, the very essence of democracy is threatened. Is this
really what we want for our province, and our country?

Kirk Tousaw

Campaign manager,

B.C. Marijuana party

Vancouver