Pubdate: Wed, 21 May 2003
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Christopher White

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 
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom