Pubdate: Mon, 27 Jan 2003
Source: Vancouver Courier (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Vancouver Courier
Contact:  http://www.vancourier.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/474
Author: Matthew Hulett

DRUG WAR COSTS MONEY THAT COULD BE BETTER SPENT

To the editor:

Re: "Drug cop says fighting marijuana battle futile," Jan. 22.

Drug Cop Sgt. Rollie Woods appears to be coming to the conclusion drug 
policy scholars came to 60 years ago. Except for the fact he adds an "if" 
to his declaration.

More resources spent on law enforcement will make no difference but worsen 
the illicit drugs problem. In the United States, there are estimated to be 
two million growers of marijuana, despite the $80 billion spent per year 
enforcing the marijuana prohibition laws.

Canada can choose to invest its resources where they can help people, such 
as hospitals and schools, or they can keep chasing their tails trying to 
punish marijuana consumers.

Matthew Hulett,

Short Hills, N.J.
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