While the Town ponders where to allow pot dealers to set up shop, consider this. Children and adults looking for illegal drugs have always found them. As long as there is money to be made, there will be those willing to provide them. In our schools, corner stores or anywhere else they can. And not just pot. Our town is no exception to the availability of other dangerous and addictive substances. Having said that, I find it difficult to believe that anyone can entertain the notion that locating the ‘legal’ drug dealers in one part of town versus another will make any difference whatsoever. We are not talking about a new type of business here. This is a business which already thrives in our ‘residential neighbourhoods, school sites, and playgrounds. And that is before legalization. Do we really think a new bylaw will protect us or our communities? It is time to face the fact that the only ones to benefit from this will be the drug dealers and distributors who will now be exempt from legal repercussions. Decriminalization will not protect our children or benefit our society. Let’s waste no more time on bylaws, but instead look to ways to support and protect our communities in the face of these challenges. R Fischer
