Dear editor,
Guns, drugs and the potential of violence:
As a case in point to the recent topic of marijuana decriminalization at the UBCM convention we have another "local" instance of apparent success in the battle against bad weed(s).
As stated by Cpl. Douglas, marijuana grow operations do include "criminal element[s] and the potential of violence."
This is hardly surprising. Fundamentally, marijuana distribution is in fact illegal [unregulated and uncontrolled]. The RCMP probably have fairly accurate data on how much of this illicit trade is actually being confiscated but according to Interpol seized contraband typically accounts for only 10 per cent of a given activity.
According to the RCMP Drug Enforcement Branch [www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca], "Organized crime groups are involved in every aspect of illicit drug activity, with the resulting profits funding other crimes, posing numerous dangers that put the entire community at risk." Further illicit drug use costs Canadian society an estimated $8.2 billion a year.
While I certainly do not condone guns, drugs, violence or criminal activity of any kind it seems to me that local producers of wine, beer and spirits do not have these problems, fundamentally because alcohol distribution is legal [regulated and controlled].
If we insist on continued ineffective marijuana prohibition then I suppose these are risks that we [as a society] are happy to bear or ignore.
I for one am not buying it, though many are.
Graham Truax,
Comox Valley