Pubdate: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 Source: National Post (Canada) Copyright: 2004 Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286 Author: Eric Nash Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1466/a02.html POT FOR PIERRE Re: Pierre Berton Offers 40 Years of Rolling Expertise, Oct. 16. As this legendary Canadian author notes, Canada's pot laws are "hysterical and hypocritical." Mr. Berton's long-term recreational marijuana use is a perfect example of a failed system that is often acknowledged by even law enforcement officials. My partner and I are licensed both federally and provincially to grow and sell marijuana for medicinal purposes. We have the written support of our federal MP, our MLA and our Mayor and council to create jobs and economic growth, via the expansion of a legally regulated medical cannabis industry. Wouldn't it be advantageous for Mr. Berton to purchase his inspected and regulated certified organic B.C. bud from us at Island Harvest? He gets a quality controlled product, jobs are created, tax revenue is generated and communities benefit from economic diversification in a legally regulated environment. Unfortunately, our Canadian government is making the choice to actively promote organized crime by forcing people like Mr. Berton to purchase their smoke from the black market. Legalize, regulate and tax marijuana, and put the revenue into health care, drug education, more important social programs that benefit our Canadian society and our cultural heritage, or perhaps better quality submarines. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D