U.S. GUARANTEES CONTINUED POT PROHIBITION

If I were a marijuana grower, I would be seriously concerned about
[what former] judge Jerry Paradis.[said] in the last edition of the
Straight ["Prohibition benefits gangs", February 12-19], in which he
outlines what would be the most significant threat to my business: the
legalization of this product.

I would, however, continue to find great relief in the knowledge that
powerful interests directing the American war on drugs, which call the
tune for our politicians, will remain in place. This ensures not only
that this threat will not materialize but, more importantly,
guarantees the high price of marijuana, which constitutes the
fundamental reason for being in this business, making the risk
extremely worthwhile.

George Plawski

Vancouver