With Washington's recent referendum on marijuana, we asked Coun. Neil Krog and Jim Leslie, a federally-licensed medical marijuana patient and president of the Life-Line Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary, to comment on the situation and its effect on B.C.
Here are some of their answers.
Do you think marijuana will eventually be decriminalized in B.C.?
Krog: Eventually it may be decriminalized but not for the reason that people are touting, reduction in crime etc. People in B.C. are pushing for legalization and taxation and I have always stated that I do not believe that it will work.
As soon as Washington passed its referendum, advocates in B.C. were saying the province will be left behind.
In fact, I think it is good that Washington will be trying the legalization and taxation method first because B.C. can watch and see if it works, which if it does not, it will save us a lot of grief and problems.
Leslie: Yes, and to be clear, "decriminalization" removes criminal penalties for simple marijuana possession, it does not address the regulation and taxation of marijuana but is a great first step.
Full story in the Wednesday, Nov. 21 issue of the Grand Forks Gazette.