Pubdate: Tue, 30 Aug 2005
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2005 The StarPhoenix
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/saskatoon/starphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Moe Brondum
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1381.a07.html

BUSTING GROW OPS WASTE OF RESOURCES

Re: Pot bust the biggest ever in Saskatchewan (SP, Aug. 23).

Even with inflated estimates of the value of plants seized in recent
raids on local cannabis farms, Saskatchewan residents should be
wondering why the government and RCMP persist annually in spending
billions of taxpayers' dollars to increase the profits of crime and
turn more kids onto crystal meth.

That will be the outcome of the continued assault on peaceful farmers
and seed merchants, and Canadians who prefer a little weed on the
weekend rather than a case of beer.

Most likely the recent crop seizures will result in a perceived local
shortage and increase street prices for marijuana. Higher prices will
attract more growers and organized crime to fill the void, while kids
turn to cheaper, more plentiful drugs such as crystal meth.

What an atrocious waste of resources that could otherwise be used to
provide opportunities and hope for our younger generation. The
politicians in this province should be ashamed of themselves, and the
voters outraged.

It is time for Saskatchewan residents to pull their heads out of the
sand and find a new perspective.

That sweet smell on the wind is the scent of the millions of cannabis
plants maturing. Recent seizures are but a drop in the bucket.

Change is inevitable. The only thing to be decided is how many of this
generation's youth will have their lives ruined by the insane laws of
the doddering, self-serving few we elect to power every four years.

Moe Brondum

North Battleford
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin