VIEW FROM THE U.S. ON DECRIMINALIZING MARIJUANA

So Much For B.C.'S High-Tech Boom.

As a native of Vancouver I was humiliated to read in the New York Times
that the export of high-potency marijuana to the United States is estimated
at $4 billion to $6 billion annually. That is on par with B.C.'s softwood
lumber exports to the U.S., and approximately five per cent of the
provincial gross domestic product.

The high-tech sector represents only four per cent of B.C.'s GDP.

Then again, with such a lucrative market, why stop at legalizing the use of
marijuana? Why not legalize the production as well? At least that way B.C.
can tax the industry.

Christopher White

Pasadena, California