LEGAL POT MAY BE HIGHLY TAXED

To the editor:

We finally see that the government of Canada has come to its senses. It has
seen marijuana for what it is — harmless (Happy New Year For Pot Smokers,
The Daily News, Dec. 10). Alcohol is a more damaging drug, socially and
physically.

Now, before the talk of putting fines and "fees" on the usage of marijuana,
let's step back and take a look at what has happened to liquor. I remember
a time when it was not a luxury to have a beer. A case of 12 beer was about
$6. I know inflation has to have its impact, but for a case of beer to
almost triple in price over the span of 15 years is a criminal act. At
every new budget year, the government adds taxes to alcohol.

Referred to as "sin" taxes, these additional levies should not be added to
suck more money out of the public.

If all the latest talk continues, eventually the government will be
unfairly setting prices on, and collecting taxes on, the use of marijuana,
and that, too, would become a luxury nobody could afford.

John McKeigan

Timberlea