FORMER MAYORS SHOW REAL WISDOM ON POT

Could it be that Canadian politicians are finally going to have an
intelligent conversation about whether marijuana should be legalized?
Wednesday's call by four former Vancouver mayors for an end to
cannabis prohibition suggests that the country is finally going to
have that long-awaited and desperately needed public policy debate.

As Sam Sullivan, Mike Harcourt, Larry Campbell and Philip Owen ""
politicians from the left, right and centre "" say in their call for
Canadian politicians to speak out against prohibitions, the
criminalization of the pot trade is a "oefailed policy" that is
"oecreating violent, gang-related crime in our communities and fear
among our citizens, and adding financial costs for all levels of
government at a time when we can least afford them."

While using marijuana can have health consequences, they are much
less serious than many legal products and there are many ways in
which the plant can benefit consumers.

Here's hoping other politicians show as much bravery and wisdom as
the former mayors in pushing cannabis from a violent, unregulated
market to one that is regulated and taxed.