The release of the provincial government's draft framework to manage cannabis legalization in Alberta is the latest step on an increasing rocky road.
With further consultations still to be conducted on the draft regulations, it remains anyone's guess whether the proposals will go ahead largely unchanged or be radically altered before next summer.
What is known is that the process needed to change marijuana possession and use from a crime to a lawful activity is proving to be multi-faceted and in some aspects very complicated.
For her part, Alberta Minister of Justice Kathleen Ganley says her government's plans – which included imposing a minimum age of 18 for the purchase and possession of pot – will help protect Albertans while reducing the power and reach of organized crime.
“We look forward to receiving additional feedback from Albertans on this framework,” said Ganley.
Not surprisingly, the United Conservative Party is calling the government's plans out-of-step and flawed.
“Many questions remain about public awareness and workplace safety concerns,” said UCP justice critic Angela Pitt. “The government must provide immediate answer about combating cannabis on the black market, difficulties in enforcement, and testing for the presence of cannabis and driving impairment.”
Liberal MLA Dr. David Swann is calling for a “significant portion of the revenues from cannabis sales” to go towards addictions treatment and prevention programs.
“While the specifics of how tax revenues will be utilized have yet to be announced, they represent an opportunity to make significant investments into mental health, as well as keeping Albertans suffering from these issues out of the criminal justice system,” said Swann.
Following the release of the draft framework, Mountain View County council last week instructed administration to conduct a thorough review of the guidelines before moving forward with any changes to municipal bylaws and in particular provisions of the land use bylaw.
Recreational cannabis will be legal on July 1, 2018. Whether the various levels of government will be ready for the big day still remains an open question.
- Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor
