THERE'S MONEY TO BE MADE ON MARIJUANA

Legalization Is The Only Solution To A Growing Epidemic

Canada faces a growing problem, one that must be taken care of sooner than
later. Last year it was estimated the number of marijuana cultivation
operations in Ontario exceeded 11,380 cases. Further studies showed there
were more than 50,000 operations nationwide. Of those operations, more than
150 took place in the Durham Region, and if the Molson brewery incident
tells us anything, it's that the cultivation of marijuana is still a
booming industry.

The problem does not lie in the growth and distribution of the drug.
Rather, it lies in the governments stance on the issue. If the use of
marijuana is legalized, the problem will subside.

Marijuana is a profit generator. That tiny plant happens to be in high
demand. and there is money to be made. If the federal government were to
legalize the drug and sell it, think of the profit that could be made not
only on sales, but in tax as well. That same money could be put to good
use, addressing problems such as infrastructure, road systems, and health care.

Some may say is just not an option, due to the problems associated with
marijuana. After all, it's addictive. Actually, that's not true. Studies
have shown only 10% of all users become addicted. That's a far cry to the
80 or 90% who become addicted to cigarettes, the No.1 cause of lung cancer.

Although marijuana does impair one's judgement, it's actual effect has been
greatly exaggerated. Studies from the University of Toronto show that those
that drive under the influence of marijuana are less likely to be involved
in an accident than those who are sober. Yet alcohol, something that is
know to cause impairment to the point of violence and poor judgement, is
distributed on a daily basis. Go figure.

Most days on the news you hear there has been yet another drug bust here in
Durham, or in some other area of Ontario. It may sound as if the police are
cracking down, but in reality it is quite the opposite. Out of the
thousands of marijuana-related cases that make it into the Canadian justice
system each year, very few result in a conviction. The reason for this is
that most cases deal with minor possessions of the drug and, more often
than not, the accused walks away. Yet the taxpayers money has already been
squandered.

Marijuana is no more hazardous than cigarettes or alcohol, in fact it has
even been concluded by the Canadian Senate that marijuana is not a gateway
drug, and does not lead to the use of harder drugs, such as ecstasy and
cocaine.

The marijuana industry is a lively one. There is money to be both made and
saved, and the Canadian government needs to capitalize on that. If the
government were to process and distribute marijuana, demand would decrease,
which would further lead to a decrease in the number of dealers across the
country. legalization is the only solution to what many consider to be a
growing epidemic.