Former AG calls for pot regulation/taxation trial run

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Do you think a trial period of regulating and taxing could spark the end of marijuana prohibition?

The idea is being supported by a prominent former BC Attorney General, who is trying to make legalization an election issue.

Geoff Plant says with another Angus Reid poll showing three quarters of us in BC support easing pot laws, this is one for provincial politicians to jump on.

It would need support from both Victoria and Ottawa, but Plant feels a trial is worth the effort.

“It’s a local enough issue that I think local and provincial politicians should have a position,” he explains. “Frankly, I don’t think there’s any risk in it for them because they would simply be aligning themselves with the majority of British Columbians who feel it’s time for change.”

“Sooner or later, this is going to require federal action and the question is: ‘What can we do as British Columbians to try and build towards the day when the government of Canada finally repeals prohibition?'”

“What’s being proposed now is a research trial that can be done here in British Columbia that does determine provincial and federal support, but will determine whether or not we could use a regulation scheme to reduce profits to organized crime and prevent youth access to cannabis.”

Another group, Sensible BC, wants a referendum.

Incidentally, Saturday is the annual 4:20 celebration. The VPD says it will keep an eye on things as thousands gather for a smoke-in at the Art Gallery downtown, but the focus is on the safety of the public and businesses as well as traffic management.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today