Pubdate: Thu, 16 Mar 2006
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2006 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Graham Constant
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

LEGALIZE AND TAX MARIJUANA

IF the federal Conservatives were smart, they would decriminalize 
simple possession of marijuana. Better yet, they should just market and tax it.

This may seem a bit extreme, but marijuana is no more dangerous than 
alcohol or tobacco, and yet the government makes millions from taxes 
on these products. Furthermore, criminalizing marijuana criminalizes 
otherwise law-abiding people who use it. Legalizing it will also deny 
gangs a significant source of revenue. Another consideration is that 
the police surely have more important things to take care of -- such 
as assault and robbery -- than possession of marijuana. If marketed 
correctly, the government can grow marijuana organically and remove 
harmful chemicals currently used in illegal grow ops. This could make 
Canada millions, if you just set aside all of the pointless controversy.

Graham Constant

Opaskwayak
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman