POT BIZ OPENLY BOOMIN' IN B.C.

As the federal government is poised to decriminalize marijuana, two
Vancouver stores have been taking it one step further by openly
selling the weed. And another city shop owner is peddling equipment to
help people do drugs, selling "bubble bags" that refine hashish for
$600.

The owner, Bryan Hamilton, boasted to a Vancouver newspaper this week
that his business is "liquid cash."

While not wanting to speak specifically about Vancouver, Justice
Minister Irwin Cotler told Sun Media some people are confusing
decriminalization and legalization.

The Vancouver shops -- The Spirit Within and Da Kine's -- have been
doing a booming business right under the noses of city cops who are
leaving it up to city's licensing department to deal with.

Vancouver Conservative MP John Reynolds blames federal Grits for
"allowing people to flout the laws because they lack the nerve to take
any action ... They'd rather spend time approving pedicures for
convicted murderers than review, overhaul or enforce the drugs laws."

Marijuana can only be sold legally in Canada to those who can prove
they have a medicinal need for it.