SFU economist Stephen Easton is wading into the intensifying debate on legalization of marijuana. The author of the 2004 Fraser Institute report calledMarijuana Growth in British Columbia shares the views of members of Stop the Violence BC in their latest reports recommending marijuana law reform.

Easton also makes this comment on B.C. medical health officers’ addition of their support to a growing demand for an overhaul of Canada’s anti-drug policies: “The Health Officers Council report is a clear indication that the time has come to start a substantive discussion of the policies toward marijuana.

“These policies have been unsuccessful in reducing the availability of marijuana, and just as with alcohol prohibition ninety years ago, consumption is commonplace in defiance of the law.

‘’Widespread defiance of the law breeds disrespect among otherwise-model citizens. The current laws provide billions of dollars of easy money for organized crime.  This activity is untaxed and could provide an additional source of revenue reducing the burden on current taxpayers.  As in the case of smoking generally, education is a proven mechanism for reducing consumption.”

Stephen Easton, 778.782.3565 (w), stephen_easton@sfu.ca