It's about time, but better late than never I suppose!
Actually following up on a campaign promise ó no doubt much to the surprise of many voters ó the Liberal Party's federal government is busy preparing to roll out legislation to legalize marijuana across the country by next summer.
"All I ever did was to supply a demand that was pretty popular," once said Al Capone, the ruthlessly infamous Chicago bootlegger kingpin whose criminal empire flourished courtesy of the failed prohibition, much to the deadly detriment of American society as gangs engaged in bloody firefights over the control of the once-illicit trade's turf.
Although long past due, Canada is now on course to take historic measures to cease empowering criminal organizations while generating substantial tax revenue that will help communities.
Additionally, Canada is now poised to finally stop handling a public health issue as a criminal one. After all, treating as hardened criminals otherwise honest, hardworking taxpayers whose only "offence" in life was to prefer an alternative to beer or wine is completely unjust and frankly immoral. While the likes of Capone should certainly be behind bars, the likes of those who merely enjoy relaxing at speakeasies to unwind after a long day at work do not.
So following decades of a miserably failed drug policy that has in every measurable way exacerbated and further fuelled the situation, our country is wading into uncharted waters. And although the federal government will outline production regulations, each province will be responsible to determine how to make recreational cannabis available to residents.
People throughout the province are encouraged to voice their opinions regarding what a legalized distribution framework in Alberta should look like. The provincial government has begun a consultation period, inviting everyone to participate in an online questionnaire to offer feedback.
"The survey, along with a series of stakeholder engagements, will help guide how Alberta will adapt to proposed federal legislation that would legalize cannabis by July 2018. Albertans are asked to visit alberta.ca/cannabis to learn more about cannabis legalization and participate in the survey, which will run until July 31," said a recent press release.
"Feedback from Albertans is an important part of the process. Our priorities are to keep profits away from criminals, keep cannabis out of the hands of children and protect Alberta's roads and workplaces," said Kathleen Ganley, minister of justice and solicitor general.
The federal government tabled in April proposed legislation that would legalize, regulate as well as restrict access to cannabis. The goal is to eventually have in place laws similar to the ones that outline the production and procurement of a substance such as alcohol, which also means preventing minors from having easy access while taking a significant source of revenue away from organized criminal groups. Included among the survey's numerous and detailed questions is where to allocate revenue generated by taxed marijuana.
The province's online survey is designed to also gather input on the following: Alberta's cannabis goals; purchasing cannabis; using cannabis in public; setting the legal age; protecting roads and workplaces; as well as economic implications and opportunities.
"The government will also be conducting stakeholder roundtable meetings, sector-specific meetings and surveys at public events across Alberta," officials said.
"Once the public and stakeholder engagement is complete, the input will be used to help form a Cannabis Framework, which will outline proposed next steps for Alberta. Albertans will have another opportunity to provide their feedback on the framework and the direction government will take."
The provincial government has made available a fairly large window of opportunity for the public to engage in this historic process, so don't miss your chance to be heard ó regardless of whether you're fully supportive of the initiative or have concerns to share.
