Pubdate: Sun, 13 Mar 2005
Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 The Lethbridge Herald
Contact:  http://www.mysouthernalberta.com/leth/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239
Author: Charlie Christensen
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Rochfort+Bridge (Rochfort Bridge)

POT IS SAFE AND SHOULD BE LEGAL

Editor:

The tragedy of March 3 shocked the nation. What is more shocking is the 
sudden uproar against marijuana grow ops in Canada.

The real cause of the problem -- the danger to the RCMP -- stems from the 
prohibition of marijuana itself. Marijuana is much less harmful than 
alcohol and tobacco combined. The only dangers associated with marijuana 
come from prohibition. It is safe to consume, and there are over four 
million Canadians who choose to do so.

To stiffen the penalties for growers, rather than legalizing and regulating 
it to be sold in a safe, controlled marketplace is a crime against society. 
Marijuana growing is a $7-billion industry in B.C. alone. If the black 
market is making those enormous profits from something as harmless as 
marijuana, why do we continue to put people in jail for it at a cost of 
$35,000 a year per person? Why not use the tax dollars to be made from 
this? There is no record in the history of mankind of someone dying from 
marijuana use. The same cannot be said for alcohol and tobacco.

It is time to legalize it so the entire nation can prosper. Then madmen 
like James Roszko will not be responsible for growing the marijuana we 
consume, thus preventing the RCMP from encountering dangerous grow ops.

CHARLIE CHRISTENSEN

Lethbridge
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