Pubdate: Fri, 22 Apr 2016
Source: Cowichan Valley Citizen (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Cowichan Valley Citizen
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/cowichanvalleycitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4349

MANY WILL SUPPORT GOVERNMENT'S POT DECISION

It was certainly an interesting choice of date to make the
announcement.

On Wednesday (April 20 or 4/20, which is celebrated as a national
holiday for cannabis culture), Canada's health minister, Jane Philpott
stated that Canada's legislation to begin the legalization and
regulation of marijuana will be introduced next spring.

For some, it can't come soon enough. But plenty of questions still
remain.

Speaking at a United Nations session on drugs, Philpott said the
federal Liberal government believes the plan is the best way to
protect youth, while enhancing public safety.

The move has been expected since the election of Justin Trudeau's
government in October.

"I am proud to stand up for our drug policy that is informed by solid
scientific evidence and uses a lens of public health to maximize
education and minimize harm," Philpott said.

The intriguing part will be seeing exactly how the plan rolls
out.

While more Canadians continue to show support for pot legalization,
most don't view it as a national priority.

According to a poll from the Angus Reid institute, more than
two-in-three Canadians (68%) say marijuana should be made legal, and
roughly the same number (64%) say legalization will do more good than
harm in the long run.

But legalization does not exactly top the list of national priorities
- - more than half (54%) of Canadians see it as one of the least
important issues facing the country today.

According to the pollsters, there are significant differences in
opinion on what legalization should look like. Should Canadians be
able to grow their own plants? Will legalization make it easier for
children to use the drug? And what should happen to people who have
been convicted of marijuana-related offences under the current legal
regime?

Many are pushing to have criminal records erased for previous
possession charges.

What solutions will be in place given the pledge on pot may breach
certain global treaties on illicit drug use signed by other countries?

What happens in the interim for folks who may be arrested under the
current rules?

Critics will say the government should immediately decriminalize pot
and figure out the complex issues (such as supply) at a later date?

What about businesses such as dispensaries? Do they risk running afoul
of the law now, or just wait for the right time to operate?

In the end, it's a decision most people can get behind.

But there are plenty of issues bound to pop up during the next year or
so.

Let's hope the government is ready with answers.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D