Editor, The News:
The majority of the public recognizes that prohibition of marijuana does not work and only contributes to crime and costs to taxpayers.
Unfortunately, the majority of Conservative voters have their head in the sand on this issue.
The Conservative government is basing its policy on these Conservative supporters and keeping the Americans happy.
In 2006, I was the riding candidate for the marijuana party. I ran because the absurdity of the prohibition laws was one of the most illogical policies inexistence and I wanted this to be an issue.
I have never used marijuana.
As a high school teacher and parent, it was obvious that students could easily access marijuana from someone who would give a real positive talk on how great it was.
The more dangerous addictive cigarettes could only be obtained by getting past tough selling rules and getting a product that displayed scary pictures.
If we are going to finally get rid of this ineffective costly law, the Conservatives must get the message that this issue will turn voters away.
This is an issue that, if reversed, would give the government more money for social programs instead of cutting programs to pay for ineffective laws that simply put people in prison.
Dan Banov
Maple Ridge