LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WOULD SAVE TAX DOLLARS

York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge has been relentlessly beating the
drum for more police officers, partly to chase down marijuana growers. Part
of the price tag for his enthusiasm is more than 80 per cent of the
6.3-per-cent tax increase just passed by the regional council by a vote of
18-1.

The decriminalization of marijuana would be a first step toward its control.
As was demonstrated with alcohol, prohibition never works.

It is costly in terms of the criminal justice system and ineffective with
respect to public health and safety. The continuing symbiotic relationship
between law enforcement and organized crime needs to broken.

HOWARD A. DOUGHTY

RICHMOND HILL