VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – In an open letter to the Prime Minister, more people are calling for the legalization of marijuana in Canada. This time, it comes outside of the country.

The letter comes from over two dozen American law enforcers ranging from a retired chief of police in Seattle, to a former border patrol agent.

The message, to legalize marijuana and reconsider mandatory minimum sentences proposed under Bill C-10, which is currently being heard by the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

Former Customs Enforcement agent Jamie Haase says Canada needs to focus on catching real criminals.
    
“It is a victimless crime pretty much, and yet people are facing stiff penalties. It is a waste of taxpayers money by having these people in prison. If you are able to do that then you can target real criminals I guess,” he argues.

Haase is urging Canadian policy-makers to learn from the mistakes the US has made with mandatory minimum sentencing regarding marijuana.

“Look at the United States as an example. It hasn’t worked here. It has not affected the crime rate. Our prisons are overcrowded. The reason behind that is because policies and guidelines like this,” says Haase.

Former Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell has already pushed for marijuana legalization and has endorsed the letter.