Pubdate: Fri, 18 Dec 2015
Source: Prince George Citizen (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Prince George Citizen
Contact:  http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/350
Author: Jim Bronskill
Page: 17

POT PROFIT SHOULD FUND ADDICTION PROGRAMS: TRUDEAU

OTTAWA - The modest amount of tax money expected from legalized 
marijuana sales should go to addiction and support programs, the 
prime minister says.

There's potential for "a bit of revenue" from a revamped pot regime, 
but the federal government isn't looking for a financial windfall, 
Justin Trudeau said in a wide-ranging roundtable interview this week 
with The Canadian Press.

"It was never about a money-maker. It was always about public health, 
public safety."

Any cash that flows to public coffers through marijuana taxation 
should go towards addiction treatment, mental health support and 
education programs - not general revenues, he said.

The Liberals have promised to legalize, regulate and restrict access 
to marijuana to keep it out of the hands of children while denying 
criminals the financial profits.

The current system of prohibition does not stop young people from 
using marijuana and too many Canadians end up with criminal records 
for possessing small amounts of the drug, the Liberals say.

The government plans to remove marijuana consumption and incidental 
possession from the Criminal Code, and create new laws to more 
severely punish those who provide it to minors or operate a motor 
vehicle while under its influence.

Trudeau promises to set up a task force with representatives from the 
three levels of government and, with input from experts in public 
health, substance abuse and policing, design a new system of 
marijuana sales and distribution.

It would include federal and provincial excise taxes. However, 
Trudeau cautioned against imposing steep levies designed to discourage its use.

"The fact is that, if you tax it too much as we saw with cigarettes, 
you end up with driving things towards a black market, which will not 
keep Canadians safe - particularly young Canadians."

In Vancouver on Thursday, Trudeau said he expects different 
perspectives and solutions when it comes to implementing the new 
approach across the country.

He stressed the importance of listening to municipal partners, 
provinces and representatives of the medical marijuana industry, as 
well as drawing on best practices from around the world.

"We are going to get this right in a way that suits Canadians 
broadly, and specifically in their communities."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom