To the editor:
While Alistair Waters’ column was a fair, if not comprehensive, assessment of the political dynamics at play in the B.C. marijuana referendum initiative (Capital News, Sept. 10), he did reference a mistaken perception that might be of concern to some readers.
Mr. Waters wrote, “The Central Okanagan is not known for its radical views on anything, let alone letting tokers light up willy-nilly without fear of repercussions.”
The proposed Sensible Policing Act will not change any laws pertaining to such things as public consumption or driving while under the influence. Because, those are sensible laws to have.
Arresting, charging and incarcerating adults for simple possession of small amounts of marijuana, however, has proven itself, over many decades, to be a costly, unwarranted and damaging waste of time.
That law doesn’t make sense. What makes this issue doubly non-sensical is that there’s a multi-billion dollar green industry that we’re handing over to organized crime.
In this initiative, one shouldn’t assume an irresponsible attitude. We’re not promoting the use of pot.
We are promoting a more informed, effective and sensible approach toward addressing this issue in B.C.
Mark Conlin,
Sensible BC,
Kelowna
