Pubdate: Fri, 27 Nov 2015
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 The Hamilton Spectator
Contact:  http://www.thespec.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181
Author: Howard Elliott
Page: A14

LCBO GOING TO POT NOT A BAD IDEA

Yes, it probably is too early to talk about selling legalized
marijuana through LCBO outlets. The president of the LCBO union said
this week that's the safest and most logical place to sell pot. But
Finance Minister Charles Sousa was quick to jump in and label the idea
premature. Fair point.

If you think about it, there are some good reasons to entrust pot
sales to the government liquor stores. They are experienced at selling
a regulated substance. They do a good job, generally, checking
consumer IDs. They are secure, and can be made more so if necessary.
If we are going to have legal pot, it makes sense to use existing
infrastructure rather than invent a bureaucracy.

But we're a long way from that, as Sousa notes. Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau made an unequivocal promise to legalize it, but since then the
government has offered few details about logistics, consultation and
implementation. A logical first step is decriminalization, then we can
take our time about outright legalization.

There is much to consider. Health issues, the black market, potency
limitations, security, taxation levels, pricing - the list goes on.
Legalization isn't a bad idea, and Trudeau does have a mandate to do
it. But it doesn't have to happen fast. It has to happen right.
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MAP posted-by: Matt