BC Cannabis Policy – the time for leadership is now

The war on drugs, as it has been fought for decades, cannot be won. – Louise Arbour, Former Supreme Court Justice

All of the vaunted and much publicized policing efforts to control gang violence and the marijuana industry have had little if any impact on the huge, highly profitable [cannabis] sector. – Kash Heed, MLA

It’s time for our political leaders to accept and act on the overwhelming evidence linking marijuana prohibition to organized crime and gang violence. – Geoff Plant, Former BC Attorney General

STOP the VIOLENCE BC’s Year in Review Members of the Stop the Violence BC Coalition (partial listing; see www.stoptheviolencebc.org for complete, updated membership list)

John Anderson, PhD Benedikt Fischer, PhD Randie Long Dan Reist Former Correctional Officer, Professor & CIHR/PHAC Applied Former Federal Prosecutor, Nanaimo Assistant Director, Knowledge Exchange, Centre for Addictions Nanaimo; Chair, Criminology Dept., Public Health Chair, Faculty of Health Donald MacPherson Sciences, SFU; Director, Centre for Research BC Island University; Vice- Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health President, Law Enforcement Against Applied Research in Mental Health Judith Renaud and Addiction Sciences, SFU; Director, Canadian Prohibition (Canada) Drug Policy Coalition Executive Director, Educators for Sensible Drug Policy; School Terri Betts, BScPharm, ACPR Colin Gabelmann Attorney General of BC (1991-1995) Jolayne Marsh Administrator (retired) Clinical Coordinator, Pharmacy, Lions Mental Health Worker, Living Room Gate Hospital Gwyllyn Goddard, MD Drop-In Chris Richardson, PhD Physician Assistant Professor & Michael Graeme Bowbrick, QC Richard Mathias, MHSc, MD, FRCPC Smith Foundation Scholar, School Attorney General of BC (2000-2001) Jennifer Godwin-Ellis, BAH, LLB Professor & Public Health Program of Population & Public Health, UBC; Lawyer Neil Boyd, LLM Head, School of Population & Public Research Scientist, Centre for Health Health, UBC Professor & Associate Director, Mark Haden, MSW Evaluation & Outcome Sciences School of Criminology, SFU Adjunct Professor, School of Nursing, Walter McKay Ted Riecken UBC Former Police Officer; Consultant, Professor, Department of Education, David Bratzer Michael Harcourt WM Consulting; Director of University of Victoria Police Officer; Board of Directors, Former Mayor of Vancouver; Former International Affairs & Co-Founder, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Jean Shoveller, PhD Premier of Asociación Mexicana de Reducción de Professor & CIHR/PHAC Applied Riesgos y Daños Jane Buxton, MBBS, MRCGP, MHSc, Paul Hasselback, MD, MSc, FRCPC Public Health Chair, School of FRCPC Medical Health Officer; Member, Ian Mitchell, MD Population & Public Health, UBC; Associate Professor, School of Health Officers’ Council of BC; Clinical Emergency Physician, Royal Inland Senior Scholar, Michael Smith Population & Public Health, UBC Associate Professor, School of Hospital Foundation for Health Research Vince Cain Population & Public Health, UBC Julio Montaner, MD, FRCPC, FCCP, Retired RCMP Chief Super­intendent; Kash Heed FACP, FRSC Former Mayor of Vancouver Former BC Chief Coroner Member of the Legislative Assembly Director, BC Centre for Excellence in Timothy Temple, MBBS, CCFP, FRSA of BC Physician, Dept. of Family Practice, HIV/AIDS; Immediate Past President, International AIDS Society UBC Canadian Senator; Former Mayor of Jacob Hunter Vancouver Policy Director, Beyond Prohibition Bohdan Nosyk, PhD Kirk Tousaw, JD, LLM Foundation Health Economist, BC Centre for Barrister, Law Office of Kirk John Carsley, MD, MSc, FRCPC Excellence in HIV/AIDS Tousaw; Executive Director, Beyond Medical Health Officer; Member, David Kennedy, MD, FCFP Prohibition Retired Physician Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes, PhD Health Officers’ Council of BC Ian Tully-Barr Thomas Kerr, PhD Assistant Professor, School of Neil Chantler Population & Public Health, UBC; Crown Counsel, Attorney General Director, Urban Health Research of BC Barrister & Solicitor, A. Cameron Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in Research Scientist, Centre for Health Ward & Co. HIV‌/‌AIDS; Associate Professor, Dept. Evaluation & Outcome Sciences Russell Uhler Professor Emeritus, Economics, UBC John Conroy, QC of Medicine, UBC Philip Owen Barrister & Solicitor, Conroy & Co., Douglas C. King, LLB Former Mayor of Vancouver Franklin White, MD, CM, MSc, FRCPC, President, NORML Canada Lawyer, Pivot Legal Society FFPH Katrina Pacey, LLB President, Pacific Health & Ujjal Dosanjh, PC, QC Ross Lander Partner, Ethos Law; Litigation Development Sciences Inc. 33rd Premier of BC; Attorney General Retired Justice, BC Supreme Court Director, Pivot Legal Society of BC (1995-2000) Ken Wilson Josée Lavoie, PhD Heather Peters, MSW Zoologist/Ecologist (retired) Elizabeth Eakin Associate Professor, School of Health Associate Professor, School of Social Evan Wood Health Care Worker, UBC Hospital Sciences, UNBC; Assistant Professor, Work, UNBC , MD, PhD, ABIM, FRCPC Dept. of Community Health Sciences, Director, Urban Health Research Caroline Ferris, MD, CCFP, FCFP Geoff Plant, QC Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence University of Manitoba; Research Attorney General of BC (2001-2005) Physician, Creekside Withdrawal Affiliate, Manitoba First Nations in HIV‌/‌AIDS; Professor, Dept. of Management Centre; Clinical Centre for Aboriginal Health Research George Plawski Medicine, UBC Instructor, Dept. of Family Practice, Retired Pilot Cornelia Zeisser, PhD UBC James Leslie Randy Puder Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Retired Border Service Officer, Addictions Research BC Christian Fibiger, PhD Canadian Border Services Agency; Systems Integration; Seascape Multi- Professor Emeritus, UBC Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Media Serving law enforcement officers who participated in this report did so while off-duty. The opinions and conclusions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect those of their employers or of the employers of any of the Coalition members.

Stop the Violence BC includes experts affiliated with the following organizations:

To learn more about the Coalition or to join, please visit www.stoptheviolencebc.org BC Cannabis Policy – the time for leadership is now

Stop the Violence BC’s Year in Review

November 2012 The Province Digital - The Province - 19 Oct 2012 - Page #10

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4 The Year in Review StopTheViolenceBC.org

BUILDING MOMENTUM A remarkable and growing number of British poll, conducted between October 22 and 24, Columbians are joining the call for the taxation 2012, found that only 14% of British Columbians and strict regulation of cannabis for adult use believe possession of a marijuana cigarette to better protect community health and safety should lead to a criminal record down from 20% while also reducing related organized crime one year ago. Overall, 75% support the taxation activity and other community harms, such as the and regulation of cannabis over chasing and proliferation of illegal grow operations. arresting cannabis producers and sellers, an In October 2011, the Stop the Violence BC increase of six percentage points from 2011 (see coalition – comprised of researchers from Figure 1). Interestingly, 74% of residents would B.C.’s four leading universities and some of the be comfortable living in a society where adult province’s foremost experts in law enforcement, cannabis consumption was taxed and legally medicine, public health, and the law – released regulated under a public health framework, an its first report, “Breaking the Silence.” The increase of four percentage points from 2011. report launched a public discussion regarding Although some politicians have been supportive the failure of cannabis prohibition to suppress of decriminalization rather than regulation B.C.’s massive cannabis market and the role that and taxation, at 62%, fewer B.C. residents existing cannabis policies play in threatening support decriminalizing marijuana use than the community health and safety in B.C. Since then, proportion that support outright taxation and Stop the Violence BC has been advocating for a regulation (see Figures 1 and 2). strictly regulated cannabis market for adult use under a public health model as a strategy to wage economic war on organized crime and to better LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL control the province’s high rates of cannabis use. SUPPORT It has been one year since Stop the Violence The work of the Stop the Violence BC coalition BC’s launch, despite the groundswell of support has been endorsed by key community leaders and for the taxation and regulation of cannabis, B.C.’s organizations, including two former premiers of provincial leaders have largely refused to take B.C., four former provincial attorneys general, the action. Health Officers Council of BC, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, and former Canadian Federal Today, Stop the Violence BC calls on provincial Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour. Support at leaders to follow the example of the Union of the municipal level has been remarkable: in the B.C. Municipalities and tell British Columbians wake of four former Vancouver mayors and eight that they support researching a new approach current B.C. mayors publicly endorsing Stop the to cannabis control – one that includes an impact Violence BC, a resolution in support of cannabis assessment of the strict regulation and taxation law reform was passed in September 2012 by the of adult cannabis use under a public health Union of British Columbia Municipalities. More framework. recently, Stop the Violence BC has received the endorsement of its first sitting MLA, Kash Heed – which prompted MLA Joan McIntyre to publicly PUBLIC SUPPORT state her support for cannabis regulation – and the A poll released in conjunction with this year- endorsement of B.C.’s Public Health Association. in-review shows that public support has shifted (For the most up-to-date listing, please visit www. even further in the past year. The Angus Reid stoptheviolencebc.org/endorsements/).

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19/10/12 9:29 AM The Province Digital - The Province - 19 Oct 2012 - Page #10

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2011 | TUESdAy, N OVEMBER 8, BREAKING NEWS: VANCOUVERSUN.COM

A14 || opinion

FAzIL MIHLAR ALERIE CASSELTON ALMER V Editorial Page Editor orial page NICHOLAS P Executive Editor ediT PAUL BUCCI The UNRO Senior Editor HAROLD M KEVIN D. BENT Deputy Managing Editor Deputy Managing Editor President and Publisher · 1 – 200 GRANVILLE STREET, VANCOUVER, B.C., V6C 3N3

PUBLISHED BY PACIFIC NEWSPAPER GROUP, A DIVISION OF POSTMEDIA NETWORK INC. greg perry’s view Kevin D. Bent President and Publisher view Wayne Moriarty Editor-in-ChiefThe newspaper’s Ros Guggi Deputy Editor Fabian Dawson Deputy Editor Paul Chapman Senior News Editor MeMber oF the b.C. Press CounCil tuesday, noveMber 29, 2011 Founded in 1898 | How604-605-2099 will our leaders editorial, Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3N3 | Newsroom: 604-605-2063 • Editorial fax: The Province is published by Pacific Newspaper Group, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. | 200 Granville St. a16 | theProvinCe.CoM stop the violence? in our opinion ince former U.S. President Richard Nixon began the “War on Drugs” The war on drugs has Sin 1971, countries around the therefore been more than Victims of crime world have developed everin more quotes — and ever more harsh — legislative regimes to a spectacular failure — it prevent the consumption of and trade in has been at least partly shouldn’t write laws illicit narcotics. responsible for the growth And every time a new drug-related “In taking revenge,of organized crime and for a veryone with a beating heart can sympathize with the law is implemented, politiciansa man is but even pain and loss endured by individuals who’ve lost fami- emphasize that it is necessary for the dramatic increase in serious ly members to the actions of a drunk driver. Such a loss, protection of the public —with specifically, his enemy; violence in our communities. E to discourage people, and in particu- especially involving a child, is a lifetime sentence. but in passing Despite that — actually because of it — the views of peo- lar children, from using drugs, and ple who’ve lost family to drunks should not be the principle to protect everyone fromit the over, violence he is consideration if changes to Canada’s impaired-driving laws associated with the drug superior.”trade. link between drug prohibition and vio- are to be considered. This is also true of the growing lobby of However, as detailed in a new report lence, and a close correlation between from Stop the Violence BC, a coali- homicide rates and the amount of “victims’ rights” groups, driven by their own pain and need — Sir Francis Bacon, for revenge, who seek constantly to “toughen” our criminal tion of academics, current and for- funding funnelled to the drug war. laws. Suffering a loss does not make someone a legal expert, mer police officers, andEnglish members author, courtierThe war on drugs has therefore been nor can they balance the needs of all parties in amending the of the public, the war onand marijuana philosopher, more than a spectacular failure — it Criminal Code. All they bring is their pain and anger. has failed to achieve any(1561-1626) of its stated has been at least partly responsible for Vengeance is no basis upon which to draft laws. And in goals. Indeed, the effect of the war has the growth of organized crime and for the case of impaired driving, tougher punishment doesn’t been the exact opposite of what was a dramatic increase in serious violence even work, according to the Justice Department. In a report, it intended. in our communities. British Columbi- found that longer sentences have no impact on recidivism by As for the war on drugs failing to ans are evidently well aware of this, as impaired drivers. Impaired driving causing death is already Grieving family members who have lost loved Arlen ones redekop to drunk — pn driversG files achievemeet to itssupport intended goals: Although a recent Angus Reid poll found 87 per treated severely by the courts. Harsher sentences will not one another and to lobby for tougher laws. the war has cost governments some cent attribute gang violence to gangs bring back those who’ve been lost. $2.5 trillion in the last 40 years, mar- fighting over marijuana profits. And What do you think? Email a brief comment, including your name and town to: [email protected] remains as easy to obtain as just 12 per cent support keeping mari- ever — and not just for adults, as many juana laws in place. high-school kids say it’s either easy or With this overwhelming public sup- very easy to get marijuana anytime port for change, and the overwhelm- they want. ing evidence of the damage done by Furthermore, the potency of mari- marijuana prohibition, one would juana has increased and the price has expect politicians to respond. Yet Reid poll showing that onlyinstead, 12 per the federal government, in There’s nothing conservativefailure about and negative decreasedconsequences banning over the last decade, which pot might explain whycent rates of British of use Columbians are up. its support omnibus crime bill, plans to imple- itable for new marijuana producers of cannabis prohibition. existing marijuana laws, with almost to enter the market. The laws of sup- And since the prohibition of mari- - ment mandatory sentences for mari- magine an extremely expen- Those reading this article are 70 per cent supporting the taxation ply and demand, which free-market juana results in an unregulated mar juana-related crime, which, all of the sive government policy proven encouraged to join. Rather than and regulation of marijuana, the conservatives hold dear, explain the ket for the drug, public health officials evidence would suggest, will result in TTers to be completely ineffective at - advocating for a free-market B.C. Liberals and their NDPan increaseoppo- in violence. oday’s le I ongoing warfare between drug car approach to legalizedhave marijuana had a hard time addressing the T achieving its stated objectives. Con- - sition have yet to show meaningfulThis simply- isn’t good enough. Our tels, including those operating in the sales that would allowharms for relatedadver to consumption of the is included with every new driver’s sider also that whenever this policy - leadership on this issue. Apparentleaders have a responsibility to imple- Lower Mainland. tisement and promotiondrug. of mari indefinitely. That is incredible. licence issued and all renewal forms is subjected to any kind of impact - ly, they are concerned thatment voicing and a support measures that will Marijuana prohibition is their big- juana use, the coalitionAll is calling of that for adds up to the war having I wouldn’t have thought more than as well as with every new or replace- assessment, the government’s own- progressive opinion couldprotect lead to thea public, rather than doing CLBC board chair hopes gest cash cow and they have repeat a strictly regulated legalbeen market a spectacular for bleeding failure. of If support that were to the emerging a few thousand people, comprising ment BC Care Card issued. data clearly show that the poli edly shown their willingness to the end of the story, it would be bad the opposite. And since the evidence is publicity results in money Although the old system involving cy has been ineffective, expensive adult marijuana use under a public- B.C. Conservative Party. the hard left, the militant wing of the- Dr. evan Wood resort to extreme violence to gain health framework. enough, since it would mean govern- in — since we know what will increase union movement and hard-core com the decal on the driver’s licence was and fuelled the growth of organized- Ironically, based on traditionaland decrease- violence — it’s time Re: Community Living seeks to opinion or maintain market share. Research clearly suggestsments have that wasteda conservative trillions of values dollars of family, gov munity activists would support the thought to be simple, it had many crime. Finally, imagine this remark While a commitment to stron- for politicians to detail exactly how restore core values, Oct. 29 - regulated model couldof redirecttaxpayers’ the moneyernment for accountabilityno tangible and fiscal occupation remaining at the Vancou- flaws. Most importantly, the informa- able set of circumstances persisting ger families is a conservative val they plan to reduce gang violence in While your story presented a good for decades — at great cost to taxpay- hundreds of millions benefit.of dollars that restraint, B.C. Conservative Party ver Art Gallery with no deadline for tion regarding organ donation was not between 80 per cent and 90 per cent ue often cited to support marijuana currently fuels violenceBut in theunfortunately, ille- it’s much worse the future. And it’s time the public and fair overview of CLBC’s creation, it accessible to health care professionals- ers and community safety — and yet consistently saying the drug is “very Leader John Cummins should be removal. prohibition, the policy clearly can- gal market to the provincialthan that. govern Marijuana- prohibition has demanded that politicians do so. did not discuss the lack of money pro- With half a million supporters, in an immediate and consistent fash elected officials say and do nothing easy” or “fairly easy” to obtain. the first to join the Fraser InstituteOn Nov. 10, Stop the Violence BC a vided by government to fully fund the not be credited with helping young ment in the form of taxation.acted as More a boon in to supporting organized a crime,taxation and regula- Down to the Wire, clearly the movement has succeeded ion, i.e., a person with a severe injury to address the status quo. Unfortunately, anti-marijuana will be holding mission it gave to the organization. - families. importantly, movingparticularly away from a intion B.C., strategy. where The large conservative think beyond our wildest hopes in striking a may not have a driver’s licence or Does this sound like something laws have been much more than In an editorial published last week, panel discussion with Major Neill Simply, the growth in people ask - profit-driven and increasinglyamounts vio of -thetank’s drug 2004are produced. report concluded - that if chord with working and middle-class CareCard with them in the emergency most conservative-minded voters simply ineffective, and famous fis - ing for and needing service has been - former president of Brazil Fernando lent unregulated marketThis to has a strict resultedwe intreat billions marijuana of dol “like anyFranklin other of Law Enforcement Against families all across the region. room or intensive care unit. would support? Sadly, you don’t- cal conservatives have long under Henrique Cardoso wrote: “To pro- Prohibition, Damon Barrett of Harm greater than the money provided. have to imagine. This policy is mar ly regulated legal marketlars flowing has the to commoditycriminal gangs, we can and tax it, regulate it, In 1997, B.C. became the first prov- - stood why. In 1991, conservative tect children from drugs, it is to my Reduction International, and Evan Demand has grown from four to ijuana prohibition and it is an unfor potential to actually hasreduce allowed rates themand touse finance the resources other the industry RobeRt Ages ince to create a computerized registry economist Milton Friedman noted: mind now beyond debate that drug Wood of the B.C. Centre for Excel- six per cent a year, inflation is two to tunate legacy for conservatives that of marijuana use, in theventures. same way generates rather than continue a war Delta to legally record an individual’s deci- - “If you look at the drug war from a laws need to be reformed. From what lence in- HIV/AIDS. The discussion three per cent a year, and the money we have consistently elected right that regulatory tools haveThings dramati are- worseagainst still, consumption since, as every and produc sion on organ donation. The registry purely economic point of view, the we already know, the ongoing and cally cut rates of tobacco use. begins at 7 p.m. at SFU Woodward’s has not kept pace. ward leaning politicians who have role of the government is to protect British Columbiantion knows, that has the long prohibi since- been lost.” allows individuals to make an edu- future identified harms of current Last week, four formertion mayors of marijuana of That’s has resulted conservative in seri thinking- Cinema. that For more information, see The 2010/11 Annual Report (page Reassessment of elders’ needs cated decision about organ donation been among the strongest defenders the drug cartel.” Friedman, who won - drug policies to our children must Vancouver endorsed ousthe violence.Stop the Indeed,British severalColumbians studies from stoptheviolencebc.org across 26) shows over five years operating in care is also happening and legally record that decision. It also of our failed anti-marijuana laws. the Nobel Prize in 1976, held strong be considered not as unintended, If you look at the U.S. government’s - Violence B.C. coalitionhave in the provided form conclusivethe political evidence spectrum of a should money grew 9.4 per cent ($622 mil removes this difficult decision from views about the certain failure of but a result of negligence, reckless Re: CLBC report rewritten to justify own data, for instance, despite the of an open letter addressed to B.C.’s- support. lion to $681 million) while adults surviving family members during the marijuana prohibition shared by ness or simple disregard.” elected officials. The letter encour served grew 29.6 per cent (10,400 to cuts. Nov. 3 long-standing “war on drugs” in virtually all economists. They stress - Dr. Evan Wood is a professor of grieving period. - Earlier this year, a new coalition aged politicians to voice their sup wA CITIzEn 13,481). Reducing the assessment of the level - the United States, the U.S. Nation- that costly efforts to remove mar medicine fRO atm theTHE University OTTA of B.C. We know that 85 per cent of Brit- of legal, law-enforcement and pub- port for taxation and regulationGUEST EDITORIAL of and a member of Stop the Violence 2011-12 budgets increased 0.79 per of care needed for someone who’s ish Columbians support organ dona al Institutes of Health has conclud- ijuana supply by building prisons lic-health experts known as Stop ed that over the last 30 years of mar cannabis as a strategy to reduce gang B.C. cent and the $8 million announced “developmentally delayed” from a 4 tion, but only 17 per cent of our popu- and locking up marijuana growers the Violence B.C. was launched to violence. Despite a recent Angus last month lifts it to a 1.2-per-cent to a 2 “to justify cuts” in government ijuana prohibition the drug has and sellers has the perverse effect lation have registered their decision. - “break the silence” regarding the increase for this year. support is disgusting, and should be a remained “almost universally avail- of making it that much more prof How Canada leads We urge those who have not already able to American 12th Graders,” with theprovince.com/opinion might be bolstered somewhat by the Your story indicates 2,800 people front-page story. done so to register today at transplant. ver the past several years, there relative resilience of Canada’s econ- are on the wait-list. Without substan- But why isn’t the lowering of the bc.ca More on the web For more editorials, columns, reader letters and online comments go to has been much grumbling in omy over the last few years. tial new resources, people will not get level of care (“degree of intervention”) Organ donation saves lives. Thank Canada about this country’s It is clear that if Greece abandons the services they need, and govern- required for seniors headline or even you for helping to raise awareness of O the euro and defaults messily, the rest ment was told by me and by the CEO last page news, when it can lead, per- declining global influence. this very important issue. Although there might never have of the world – including Canada – that this would happen. haps even by design, to their prema- been a golden age when we were the cannot escape some indirect effects. A In 2010-11 the equivalent of $39 mil- ture deaths? dR. gReg gRAnt world’s Dudley Do-Right, it’s certainly new global recession is certainly one lion in service changes were redirected My 98-year-old mom’s degree of Provincial Executive true that our government’s lack of possibility, and that means Canada’s to new people, and without this diffi- intervention was similarly lowered Director, BC Transplant interest in international institutions, federal and provincial governments cult work by a dedicated staff across from a 4 to a 2, very recently, during B.C. the problem would be so much my yearly caregiver’s respite break, diplomacy and development – par- might find themselves struggling to Paving over local farmland ticularly in the years of Conservative pay down their own debts. worse. against her wishes and mine, probably minority – meant it had fewer levers As for the eurozone itself, it’s unclear Let us hope the publicity from this- ultimately to save the state money. a growing concern whether a defection by its most debt- continuing story will result in signif As well, she had a “do not hospital- to pull. Re: Reduce reliance on imported Recently, though, there have been ridden members would ultimately icant new money for more people to ize order” imposed on her. “The #&%$ weaken or strengthen it. It might be have their needs met. are trying to kill me,” she often says. produce, report says, Nov. 3 a few reminders that Canada leads in The article emphasizes the need for many ways, ways that don’t require a too early to declare the failure of the And I concur. more homegrown vegetables because seat on the United Nations Security big experiment that tried to maintain Lois HoLLstedt deMiLLe of uncertain future of world supplies Council. It was a Canadian, Lt.-Gen. some degree of national sovereignty CLBC Board Chair don within a monetary union; but this cri- Delta to meet our needs. Charles Bouchard, who commanded This brings up a question about pre- NATO’s successful mission in Libya. sis shows that the euro is far from an Occupy supporter thrilled serving our own agricultural land in It is a Canadian, Bank of Canada Gov- unmitigated success. Many who support organ That doesn’t mean all forms of eco- by poll results the Fraser Valley. ernor Mark Carney, who is going to donation haven’t signed up The Vancouver Port Authority is in lead the Financial Stability Board, an nomic integration, such as free-trade Re: Residents oppose Occupy tent the process of paving over hundreds institution of growing international agreements, should be dismantled. city, Nov. 4. Re: Changes to organ donor pro- of hectares of the best farm land in importance. Carney is well cast in the Far from it. Thanks to The Vancouver Sun for gram urged, Oct. 24 The benefits of open markets should B.C. for port expansion. role of level-headed Canadian on the publishing this survey of Metro Van- The article references Dr. Karpiak- Why is this being allowed to international stage. not be forgotten, and Canada can lead couver residents. As an active sup- saying “B.C. should reinstitute a pre happen? Prime Minister Stephen Harper, by continuing to champion them. porter of the Occupy movement it vious system of asking people to sign too, seems to find it easiest to slip But the further regions travel down made my day. up as organ donors when they renew KennetH M. AtKey into statesman mode when the world the road to integration, the more the Out of a Metro Vancouver popula- or apply for a driver’s licence.” Delta agenda is dominated by economics. constituent members depend on each tion of around 2.5 million, it shows This request does, in fact, happen. He went to the G20 summit speaking other to be fiscally and politically around 500,000 people (20 per cent) An organ donor registration form loudly and clearly about the need for responsible. Greece has been neither, support the occupation continuing Greece to accept the bailout package and that’s a lesson the world won’t and avert what he sees as the worst of soon forget. ISSUES & IDEAS: Include name and number along with the bad-case scenarios. His influence LETTERS: Include name, address and daytime number. Maximum length: 200 words. 1 of 1 Email: [email protected] (no attachments). submission of no more than 750 words to: [email protected] (no attachments). THE EDITORIALS that appear in this space represent the opinion of The Vancouver Sun Writers whose submissions are accepted for publication will be notified within two weeks. newspaper. They are unsigned because they do not necessarily represent the personal ADDRESS: The Vancouver Sun, Suite 1-200 Granville St., Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3N3. views of the writers. The positions taken in the editorials are arrived at through discussion among the members of the newspaper’s editorial board, which operates independently Copyright in letters and other materials sent to the publisher and accepted for publication remains with the from the news departments of the paper. The members of The Sun’s editorial board are author, but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic and other forms. editorial page editor Fazil Mihlar, editorial writers Harvey Enchin, Craig McInnes and Peter McKnight, and publisher Kevin Bent. Columnists Stephen Hume, Jonathan Manthorpe 19/10/12 9:29 AM and Barbara Yaffe are advisers to the board. 6 The Year in Review StopTheViolenceBC.org

A TIME FOR LEADERSHIP: POLITICIANS IGNORE THIS ISSUE AT THEIR PERIL Over the last five years, too many politicians system for cannabis control in B.C. cuts across have lost touch with British Columbians’ views on political party lines, with sizable majorities of how best to tackle cannabis cultivation and use in supporters of all major political parties in the the province. province signaling their support for cannabis The devastating impact of cannabis prohibition regulation. Over the last year, for instance, is clear. Over the span of a decade (1998 to support for cannabis policy reform has grown 2008) the proportion of gang-related homicides by 4% among individuals who voted in the increased by 48%, leaving a body count of 415. In last election for the BC Liberal Party, and 11% 2009 alone, the RMCP reported 276 incidents of among those who voted for the BC NDP. Among drive-by shootings. This bloodshed, and risk of individuals who currently intend to vote for the further bloodshed, has not served as a deterrent BC Conservative Party, 62% believe taxation and for gang activity. Since 2003, the number of regulation of cannabis for adult use is preferable gangs in B.C. has more than doubled, with 188 to chasing and arresting cannabis producers and gangs active across the province today. sellers. This is not a partisan issue; rather, it is driven These numbers should serve as a strong by common sense and the realization that the reminder to policymakers that cannabis regulation existing cannabis laws themselves drive so much is a non-partisan issue with broad-based public of the violence and illegal activity in B.C. As is support. Policymakers who continue to ignore evident from polling, support for a regulatory this widespread support are failing to take heed of the stated opinions of their constituents.

FIGURE 1. REGULATION FIGURE 2. DECRIMINALIZATION

Agree or disagree: Chasing and arresting marijuana producers and Thinking about marijuana in BC, do you support or oppose the following: sellers is ineffective—we would be better off taxing and regulating the Decriminalizing marijuana use (i.e., issuing fines for marijuana adult use of marijuana. possession rather than arrests.

80% 75% 80% 69% 70% 70% 62% 59% 60% 60%

50% 50%

40% 40% 35% 31% 30% 30% 24% 21% 20% 20%

7% 10% 6% 5% 10% 6% 0% 0% Agree Disagree Not Sure Support Oppose Not sure

2011 2012 StopTheViolenceBC.org The Year in Review 7

ADDRESSING MISINFORMATION AND CONFUSION Stop the Violence BC has received widespread acknowledged that there is a potential conflict support and endorsements from prominent of interest inherent in instances when law British Columbians, the general public and leading enforcement agencies speak out against cannabis international experts. However, much more work law reform, as massive tax dollars are currently needs to be done to correct misconceptions being allocated to cannabis law enforcement about the impacts of cannabis prohibition and initiatives. the policy alternatives that exist. For instance, when the Office of the Auditor In a few notable cases, Stop the Violence General last reviewed Canada’s Drug Strategy, its BC’s efforts to promote an evidence-based report estimated that 93.8% of funds are devoted and rational conversation about the effects of to drug law enforcement. The report concluded cannabis prohibition have been misrepresented that there is an “almost complete absence of by some commentators. In other cases, inaccurate basic management information on spending of comments have been voiced by a small number resources, on expectations, and on results of of uninformed individuals and special interest an activity that accounts for almost $500 million groups. What follows are samples of some of the each year.” inaccurate or potentially confusing statements A more recent report in Macleans highlights made in the last year along with evidence-based a $28 million dollar increase in RCMP funding for responses that we hope will improve the quality the investigation of cannabis growers and drug of the public debate going forward (see next labs, bringing the allotted budget for drug law page). enforcement to $113 million. The same report describes $42 million in further cuts to addiction IMPORTANT POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF treatment programs, which had historically already been underfunded in Canada’s response INTEREST to drug use. Stop the Violence BC’s coalition includes a In this context, concerns raised by law range of active and former law enforcement enforcement about the theoretical harms of a personnel. As a group, the coalition values and new approach to cannabis should be regarded has a deep respect for the work of our colleagues with some degree of skepticism, especially when in law enforcement. However, it must be the failure of the status quo is not acknowledged.

“It’s time for our political leaders to accept and act on the overwhelming evidence linking marijuana prohibition to organized crime and gang violence.” – Geoff Plant, Former B.C. Attorney General Geoff Plant is joined by his fellow former B.C. attorneys general Colin Gabelmann and Graeme Bowbrick, former premiers Ujal Donsanjh and Michael Harcourt, and sitting MLA Kash Heed in endorsing Stop the Violence BC. Other provincial agencies that support STVBC also include the Public Health Association of B.C., the Health Officers Coalition of B.C. and the Union of B.C. Municipalities. 8 The Year in Review StopTheViolenceBC.org

TABLE 1. CONFUSING AND INACCURATE STATEMENTS

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS This statement is inaccurate. This November, three U.S. states “I don’t want to say they would (Colorado, Oregon, and Washington) will be voting to tax seal the border. But I think it would and regulate the adult use of cannabis. These measures are in inhibit our trade generally because addition to the 14 U.S. states that have already decriminalized they’re certainly not going to make cannabis possession. that move in the United States.” Like their U.S. counterparts who are working to address “ the unintended consequences of cannabis prohibition, B.C. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper, politicians should demonstrate leadership in addressing the as quoted in the Asian Pacific Post longstanding concerns attributable to cannabis prohibition by (November 29, 2011) publicly recognizing the failures of the status quo and supporting research of evidence-based alternatives.

IMPACTS ON ORGANIZED CRIME Organized crime has become active in the $7 billion a year cannabis industry in B.C. because it is, simply,” the most “I would suggest that organized profitable illegal business in the province. According to the RCMP’s website, “organized crime groups are involved in every crime would simply move into other aspect of illicit drug activity, with the resulting profits funding harder drugs.” other crimes that affect us all.”

– John Ruttan, Mayor of Nanaimo, as A strictly regulated legal market would reduce this organized quoted in the Nanaimo News Bulletin crime opportunity, make those who choose to remain in organized crime less able to finance other activities (e.g., “ (April 25, 2012) cocaine importation), and force those who choose to continue illegal behavior into activities that are less profitable and less easy to evade police.

CANNABIS PROHIBITION AND YOUTH “The drug dealers are targeting our Cannabis prohibition creates a massive illegal market” whose kids and we are a city with the most motive is profit – which is why the drug is more available to kids in the province… So for me, it’s young people than alcohol and tobacco. The Health Officers not a road I want to walk down.” Council of B.C. and Stop the Violence BC believe a strictly regulated market for adult cannabis use would likely make it more challenging for youth to access cannabis, similar to the – Dianne Watts, Mayor of Surrey, situation that was put in place with the regulation of tobacco “as quoted in the North Delta Leader products, which subsequently saw a decrease in tobacco use (April 26, 2012) among young Canadians.

“This is not a partisan issue. Widespread access to marijuana for our” youth, grow-ops that provide funds for organized crime, and significant costs to taxpayers for enforcement are all compelling reasons to re-examine our failed approach to prohibition.” – Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson has personally endorsed to STVBC, along with fellow mayors Chris Pieper of Armstrong, Darrell Mussatto of the City of North Vancouver, Derek Corrigan of Burnaby, Howie Cyr of Enderby, James Baker of Lake Country, John Ranns of the District of Metchosin, and Robert Sawatsky of Vernon. Former Mayors of Vancouver Larry Campbell, Philip Owen, and Sam Sullivan have also endorsed STVBC. StopTheViolenceBC.org The Year in Review 9

REGULATION VS. STATUS QUO “Plecas told a packed study session “Anything government “B.C. pot is a at the UBCM’s annual convention touches gets screwed up. highly sought-after he would ‘stake his life’ there It’s going to get taxed and ‘commodity’ and would be no effect on illegal grow- if it gets taxed too high, decriminalization ops if the federal government what happens?” will just push decriminalizes cannabis […] He “ organized criminals said issues with cannabis growers – Patrick Slack, underground.” will remain unless municipalities Commander, Snohomish take action.” County Regional Drug – Sgt. Dave Williams, and Gang Task Force, RCMP “E” Division, – Dr. Dr. Darryl Plecas, RCMP- Washington State, as as quoted in the funded Criminology Research Chair quoted in the Vancouver Vancouver Sun at University of the Fraser Valley, Sun (September 24, 2012) (September 27, 2012) as reported by Kamloops’ The Daily News (September 24, 2012) The government has already “screwed up” cannabis control.

Currently, people risk a criminal record or even violence to grow and consume cannabis. It is unreasonable to suggest that consumers would not pay a modest tax to avoid these risks. As has been the case with tobacco, a regulatory system offers government the option of experimenting with various levels of taxation to ensure low levels of use while also reducing the incentive for the creation of a black market. Under the current system, such controls are unavailable and cannabis is cheap and widely available.

CANNABIS PROHIBITION AND YOUTH Provincial and federal political leadership is urgently” needed to “Drug regulation is the jurisdiction of address the unintended consequences of cannabis prohibition. the federal government, which has While all of Canada would benefit if the federal government responsibility for public prosecutions took an evidence-based approach to addressing the harms of cannabis offences under the of cannabis prohibition, it is unlikely that the current federal government will fill this leadership void. Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and it is most appropriate that The province’s hands are not tied when it comes to cannabis law “they be the ones to respond to this reform. Given the serious problems stemming from organized debate.” crime and violence in B.C. as a result of cannabis prohibition, it would be unwise for local politicians to further ignore this pressing issue by citing federal jurisdiction and thereby – Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice missing the opportunity to work towards change. There are and Attorney General of B.C., as legal mechanisms, including a Section 56 exemption from the quoted in the Prince George Citizen Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which would allow B.C. (February 15, 2012) to research the impacts of a strictly regulated market for adult cannabis use. ” 10 The Year in Review StopTheViolenceBC.org

THE YEAR AHEAD As indicated previously, several U.S. states 62% compared to regulation, which sits at 75% have moved ahead with cannabis policy reform. (see Figures 1 and 2). Comfort with regulation has Fourteen states have decriminalized marijuana also grown from 70% to 74% over the last year. already and, in November 2012, three states – In 2013, British Columbians will select their next including Washington State, B.C.’s immediate provincial government and the individuals vying neighbour to the south – will be voting on ballot for the leadership need to become informed with initiatives to tax and regulate cannabis. respect to both public and expert opinion on In B.C., support for decriminalization sits at cannabis policy reform.

“I am going to leave the “If you want to address that “My own view is we should cannabis debate to the federal issue we have to look at other move to decriminalization. government. It’s in their sole avenues. The proposals that [...] [Legalization] would bring sphere of responsibility.” are out there [legalization, challenges in society.” – Christy Clark, B.C. Premier and decriminalization] just don’t – Adrian Dix, B.C. Leader of the leader of the B.C. Liberal Party, hold water.” Opposition and leader of the as quoted by CBC News – John Cummins, leader of the B.C. New Democrat Party, as B.C. Conservative Party, in an quoted in the Vernon Morning interview on AM1150 Kelowna Star.

“Governments on both sides of the border have failed to publicly acknowledge that criminal prohibition of marijuana—like that of alcohol—is a dismal and destructive failure.” – John McKay, Former U.S. Attorney Other international past and present politicians and leaders who support Stop the Violence BC include: Damon Barret of International, Former President of Brazil Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour, Former Anti-Narcotics Officer of Baltimore Neil Franklin, Former President of Switzerland Ruth Dreifuss, Former UN High Commissioner for Refugees Thorvald Stoltenberg, and Virgin Group Founder Richard Branson. Other international agencies that support STVBC also include the Global Commission on Drug Policy, the Health Officers Council of British Columbia, and Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. StopTheViolenceBC.org The Year in Review 11

We encourage all of these leaders to become informed and to commit to an evidence-based approach to address the harms of existing cannabis policies in B.C. Some of our most recent endorsers and coalition members have vowed to take this issue to each of these leaders, encouraging them to take action on this issue. Further, a new initiative called Sensible B.C. plans to mobilize thousands of British Columbians to petition the provincial government for a referendum calling for new provincial cannabis policies including support for researching the taxation and regulation of marijuana.1 The link between cannabis prohibition and the growth of organized crime and gang violence in this province is proven. Polling results show that British Columbians want cannabis policy reform to be an election issue, and in 2013 it will be. Stop the Violence BC encourages B.C.’s provincial politicians to demonstrate their leadership by telling British Columbians that they support researching a new approach involving an evaluation of the impacts of the strict regulation and taxation of adult cannabis use under a public health framework. The time for leadership is now.

1 While we applaud ongoing efforts to decriminalize cannabis in B.C., we feel compelled to note that unlike a regulatory system, cannabis decriminalization will address only a few of the important social and economic consequences of cannabis prohibition today (e.g. criminal records for otherwise law-abiding citizens and associated policing costs). Critically, only a regulatory system can address All photos courtesy of Stop the Violence BC, except: the most important health and safety concerns: Page 8: kk+ (Flickr / Creative Commons) organized crime and associated violence, the free and Page 10: BC Gov Photos (Flickr / Creative Commons) easy availability of cannabis among young people, and Page 10: Wwongbc (Wikipedia / Creative Commons) Page 10: taminator (Flickr / Creative Commons) an uncontrolled cannabis market. StopTheViolenceBC.org