Four former Vancouver mayors have joined the growing chorus of voices calling for an end to the prohibition of marijuana.
Mike Harcourt, Philip Owen, Larry Campbell and Sam Sullivan have each signed an open letter urging politicians to consider legalization and regulation of pot, saying those policies will increase taxes to government, remove illicit profits that lead to gang violence and eliminate costly legal proceedings.
In theory, legalizing marijuana seems like sound policy.
According to a recent report commissioned by Stop the Violence BC, incidents of drug market violence are on the rise despite the "war on drugs" which has collectively cost North American taxpayers over $240 trillion over the last 40 years.
Neill Franklin, who heads Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, recently told the Vancouver Province editorial board that the criminalization of pot in is the direct cause of most murders in British Columbia.
Not only would legalizing marijuana save us the hundreds of millions of dollars we spend every year in enforcement and judiciary costs, it would also give governments the opportunity to earn significant tax revenues.
The Fraser Insitute pegs the value of Canada's illegal cannabis market at approximately $7 billion annually — that could mean upwards of $2 billion in tax revenues for Federal and provincial governments.
Despite the strong arguments for legalization, however, it likely won't happen — at least not with the tough-on-crime Harper Conservatives in power.
The federal ministry of justice recently issued a brief statement saying the government has "no intention" to decriminalize or legalize marijuana, the Canadian Press reports.
Instead, the government is continuing efforts under its national anti-drug strategy, which focuses on "prevention and access to treatment for those with drug dependencies, while at the same time getting tough on drug dealers and producers who threaten the safety of our youth and communities."
Even if the Canadian government was more amenable to changing marijuana laws, Canada wouldn't be able to do it alone, without making the country a sanctuary for drug tourists.
Moreover, legalizing marijuana would undoubtedly aggravate our American neighbours, especially in light of the impending perimeter security deal.
It's estimated that between 60 per cent and 90 per cent of the marijuana produced in Canada is exported to the U.S. via cross-border smuggling operations.
If we legalized pot in Canada, the Americans would be forced to bolster their border security.
Legalizing pot? Probably a good idea whose time has not yet come.
(Canadian Press photo)
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