POT SHOULD BE PROVINCIAL DECISION

To the Editor,

Nanaimo MPs Reed Elley and James Lunney have missed the biggest point of
the Senate report on legalization of marijuana (MPs hold breath on
marijuana - Sept 19).

It says decisions on marijuana, because it is less harmful than alcohol or
tobacco, should be devolved to the provinces.

So, regulation is really not a federal decision. Once marijuana is a
provincial regulatory function, the rules in regard to age, sales and
driving may be different in each province.

The federal government has no more business in marijuana law than it has
regarding alcohol and tobacco. It should be the exclusive jurisdiction of
the provinces.

As for any perceived American pressure, it should be remembered that
American states are free to have their own marijuana laws. In fact,Nevada
is about to vote on the issue of full legalization.

Chuck Beyer, Victoria