LEGALIZING POT IS TRICKY

In response to the Dec. 10 letter, It's Time For Canada To Legalize Pot, I
fully agree. Unfortunately, I disagree with Alan and Eleanor Randell's
assessment of legalization.

Most references to legalization refer only to the decriminalization of
possession of small quantities of marijuana. This does not address
cultivation, and large scale cultivation could never be legalized. This
would create huge headaches because so many people would be trying to get a
piece of the illegal U.S. export market. It would be chaos.

The theft of hydro in the large scale grow operations is an organized crime
issue, not a marijuana legalization or decriminalization issue.

Decriminalization of possession of small quantities of marijuana and
possibly small personal grow operations would definitely be of benefit to
society. It would free up the courts and the police for more important duties.

The Dutch example shows this, but do our politicians have the sense to see
this?

I think the public may also misunderstand this issue, just as the Randells
have. This may be one of the main reasons why politicians do not have the
political collateral to get this issue through Parliament.

A sensitive issue such as this is often misunderstood and is difficult
legislation to pass. I would almost make it equivalent to abortion. It is
the right path but difficult to take, just as legalized prostitution would be.

The Dutch definitely have good forward thinking and I believe these issues
have benefited their society. Canada still has a way to go.

Greg Funston

Linwood