To the Editor,
Re: B.C. public health officers behind taxing, legalizing marijuana, Jan. 3.
I agree that our current approach of enforcement has not necessarily been working to control illegal marijuana use. However, if anyone thinks that legalizing marijuana is the answer to related crime and gang-related violence, then think again.
Once there is no longer any financial returns in the criminal sector from marijuana, they will simply move on the the next illegal drug of choice.
Does anyone really believe that the criminals will just roll over and go away if marijuana gets legalized? These are criminals, they aren’t going to suddenly find an office job to supplement their lost revenues.
Second, it is simply the easy way out to legalize marijuana.
Should we just legalize all illegal activity that current law enforcement can’t combat? Heck, why stop there – let’s legalize B&Es as well, and rape is a real pain to control too.
With regard to medicinal marijuana use, how is it that they can put multiple substances in skin patches, but not the ‘medicinal’ elements of marijuana?
Is it really the best approach to trade in the health-related side effects of inhaling marijuana for the apparent health benefits?
Raegan Eisfeld
Nanaim
