LEGALIZED CANNABIS WOULD END TRAFFIC RISKS

Re: The hidden threat of grow houses, June 18.

Marijuana grow houses are rampant throughout our communities. The police
claim they are a "danger to the general public," and that they are "taking
them down" as much as possible before they "get established in our area."

It's a sad, cyclical game being played regularly, with no end in sight. The
only certainty is that the game will continue as long as there is no other
source of marijuana for the many Canadians who enjoy a joint on the weekend.

Prohibition, unfortunately, is the direct cause of drug violence. Without
it, marijuana smokers would visit the LCBO equivalent, buy their joint,
walk home and smoke it peacefully. No violence. Instead of visiting the
LCBO though, current users visit a dealer. The black market is not
protected by the law -- this is why violence occurs. Dealers use guns
instead of the courts and steal hydro instead of paying for it, all due to
the illegality of their trade. (Have you ever seen a violent rivalry
between LCBOs and beer stores?)

If the police are truly dedicated to stopping the "absolutely violent"
world of grow houses, they will voice their support for the Senate
Committee's recommendation, which is to legalize marijuana. Stop the
violence by ending the ineffective and costly prohibition of marijuana.

Dan Weaver,

Ottawa