While the Editorial: Legalization debate crucial of Feb. 8 provides many valid considerations, it misses the mark, however, when it makes legalization out to be about opinion; it is not.
Legalization is about the best course of action in order to prevent the harms to youth and communities that currently exist because of marijuana prohibition. It’s about disrupting organized crime’s cash cow, reducing the violence associated with prohibition, and bringing a substantial tax resource to government coffers.
Legalization is about education, harm reduction and removing barriers to medical marijuana. It’s about freeing up resources to better target trans-border trafficking, gangs, meth labs, crime, etc., while insuring rights, freedoms and regulated enterprise are guaranteed.
Legalization, regulation and taxation would be an economic boon while providing the impetus to reconsider outdated U.N. protocols. Canada would become a recognized international leader in progressive global drug control strategy.
A brave new world awaits, providing Canada has the guts to lead.
Wayne Phillips
Hamilton, Ontario