Global Ganja Report

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and four former mayors of the British Columbia city have issued a public call for the legalization of cannabis. Robertson Tweeted Nov. 25: "Good to see 4 Vancouver ex-mayors calling for end of cannabis prohibition. I agree, we need to be smart and tax/regulate." This references an open letter to Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper that Robertson co-wrote with predecessors Larry Campbell, Mike Harcourt, Sam Sullivan and Philip Owen. The Nov. 23 letter, online at Stop the Violence BC, states:

Marijuana prohibition is—without question—a failed policy. It is creating 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. Politicians cannot ignore the status quo any longer, and must develop and deliver alternative marijuana policies that avoid the social and criminal harms that stem directly from cannabis prohibition.

However, Harper quickly replied: "No, it will not happen. We are strongly opposed to the legalization of drugs and very concerned about the threat of drugs to our country." (CelebStoner, Nov. 26; Vancouver Sun, Nov. 25; STVBC, Nov. 23)

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