Pubdate: Tue, 26 Mar 2013
Source: Now, The (Surrey, CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Eric Wirsching
Contact:  http://www.thenownewspaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1462
Author: Eric Wirsching

TIME TO LEGALIZE POT

The Editor,

Re: "Tiny pot plants cost Surrey man his $440K home," the Now, March 21.

Justice Paul Pearlmen's concern for public safety regarding criminal
activity related to marijuana grow-ops is valid. But what do you
expect when a commodity has an artificially inflated value of $2,000
or more per pound?

If "the state" really has an interest in general deterrence of
gang-related activity, then it would consider a legally regulated
system similar to alcohol. Alcohol prohibition brought with it high
levels of organized crime as well.

There is no sense in allowing marijuana prohibition to continue. It's
a waste of police and judicial resources because it's not decreasing
the demand, nor is it stopping the underground market from supplying
it.

Not to mention the danger it brings to our communities.

Why don't we deal with the root of the problem instead of just
incarcerating more people? Legalize it, regulate it, tax it, bring the
price down, and eliminate the dangerous unregulated system once and
for all. Now that's sensible.

Eric Wirsching, Delta
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D