POT LEGALIZATION RAISES FEARS OF SOCIAL IMPACT

There is possibly $2 billion in tax revenue to be had from the
legalization of marijuana, but not all federal candidates think that's
reason enough to decriminalize it.

Candidates at an all-candidates forum at the Kelowna Drop-In Centre
Wednesday were quizzed on their view of legalizing marijuana, given
the Fraser Institute's report that the industry could net $2 billion
in taxes annually for Canada.

MP Werner Schmidt, of the Conservative Party, said there may be
taxation revenue from pot sales, but the country would end up paying
more for services to combat the negative effects of the drug.

"There's anecdotal information and research that suggest the
legalization of soft drugs leads to harder drugs," he said.

"Once they're addicted, there's all kinds of social costs."

Michael Cassidyne-Hook of the Canadian Action Party said the proximity
to the U.S. has to be considered.

The U.S. doesn't support legalization and having that country next
door might pose problems.

"It's impractical with that geopolitical reality," he said.

Proponents of legalization were Starleigh Grass of the NDP and Kevin
Ade of the Green Party.

Grass said if there's no one charged with marijuana violations, it
would clear out some room in the courts.

"It would save tax dollars as these cases go through the legal system," she
said.

Ade said the tax revenue would be welcome and didn't think Canada's
policies should be dictated by how close it is to the U.S.

Liberal candidate Vern Nielsen was not at the meeting but said he
would be in favour of decriminalizing marijuana, but not making it
legal. He pointed out that pot may be used for health reasons or in
small amounts and people should not be charged for that. However,
trafficking should be a criminal offence.