GOVERNMENT COULD BE EARNING MILLIONS

RE "A Growing problem," by Mark Bonokoski (Nov. 6): The sooner the
feds wriggle their way out from under America's thumb and get pot
production, distribution and sale into a regulated framework, the
sooner all the problems with illegal grow-ops will dry up and
disappear. I'm looking forward to the proposed decriminalization bill
dying with Jean Chretien's departure.

Decriminalizing small-time possession will only increase its use among
young people and increase the motivation for gangs to set up grow
houses to meet the demand. It's time to let a regulated industry grow
the stuff with proper rules for safety.

It's time to leave distribution to Dutch-style "coffee shops" or the
LCBO -- places that can demand ID and enforce age restrictions. Why
should grow-ops cost taxpayers hundreds of millions in policing when
government could instead be earning millions in tax revenue?

Jack Cartier

Toronto

(Heck, the second option might even produce something resembling
results)