POT PROFITS COULD BE THE BIGGEST STIMULANT TO B.C.'S BOOMING ECONOMY

Re: "What's really fuelling this economic boom?" editorial, Wednesday, July 11.

I just read the editorial suggesting that the B.C. pot industry is at
least in part fuelling the current economic and real estate booms.

I couldn't agree more.

It's a wonder this is rarely brought up in economic reports, etc. --
I guess because it would be politically incorrect.

As a relatively young person (mid 20s) I can't help but know at least
some people who grow marijuana.

These guys have an abundance of two things: time and money.

The RCMP even estimates that the bud industry in B.C. is worth $6
billion annually. Yes, $6 billion.

Another point is that bud growers don't always have the option of
storing their monies in banks, stocks, etc., because they lack the paper trail.

A lot of their money goes directly into the local economy in the form
of real estate and vehicle purchases, boats, clothing, jewelry,
expensive electronics, partying, travel, etc.

In short, the economic impact of our pot industry is enormous --
perhaps a bigger stimulant (no pun intended) than any other industry in B.C.

T. MacRae

Simon Fraser University