With the federal government moving forward with plans to legalize and regulate marijuana in 2018, supporters say it could lead to a meaningful reduction in the power and reach of organized crime.
If that turns out be the case, it will be good news for all communities.
On the other hand, the legalization of pot also has the potential to lead to new problems, such as increased impaired driving and more drugs falling into the hands of youngsters.
The Cannabis Act proposes that legal possession of marijuana be restricted to persons 18 and older, with provinces being able to increase the minimum age of sale, purchase and consumption.
Adults will be able to legally possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis in public and grow up to four plants per household up to a height of one metre.
The legislation will also amend the Criminal Code to strengthen the response to impaired driving, allowing law enforcement officers to use oral fluid drug screeners at the roadside.
Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott says the new legislation puts safety first.
"The Cannabis Act will help keep our children safe and address the health risks associated with cannabis," said Philpott.
"The proposed legislation would allow Canadian adults to possess and purchase regulated and quality-controlled cannabis products, while prohibiting sales to young Canadians and any products, promotion, packaging or labelling that could be appealing to young people."
Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley says the provincial government plans to "focus on keeping cannabis out of the hands of children, keeping profits away from criminals, and protecting Alberta's roads, workplaces and public spaces.
"We are encouraged by the federal government's effort to create a reliable roadside saliva test, and we support this approach."
The legalization of pot may end up being a powerful blow against organized crime - and that would be to everyone's benefit.
At the same time, governments at all levels will hopefully work together to ensure the legalization of cannabis doesn't lead to new problems.
- Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor
