Pubdate: Sat, 13 May 2000
Date: 05/13/2000
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Author: Michael Jung

As long as marijuana remains illegal in the U.S., it is Pollyannaish
to believe that it can be legalized in Canada (Bust or back off, May
12). The disparity in size between our two countries dictates the
agenda of law enforcement here, whether we like it or not. The huge
demand for illegal drugs south of the border alone is temptation
enough to inspire illegal grow-ops in B.C. To assume legalizing
marijuana will reduce the number of these illegal sites is naive.

Smuggling the crop south is too tempting given the large sums of
money that can be earned by enterprising growers and sellers. However,
distribution of the crop involves forging links with organized crime
groups and individuals with shady reputations. Money earned will be
smuggled back into Canada and laundered, with no taxes paid. Do we
really want a country where our neighbours are profiting from the
proceeds of criminal activities , while we play by the rules and fall
behind.

Proponents of legalization paint a benign picture of the effects of
the drug. They sound remarkably like certain cigarette company
executives several years ago, don't you think? It's time to stop
dreaming that legalizing a problem will make it go away. Strict
enforcement and stiffer sentencing are not the best solutions, but
they are the better solution.

Michael Jung,
Vancouver