Pubdate: Mon, 19 Dec 2016
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network
Contact:  http://www.calgaryherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Ryan Rumbolt
Page: A4

PROVINCE WILL SEEK INPUT ON MINIMUM AGE FOR MARIJUANA

Premier Rachel Notley says she wants to consult Albertans to help
shape provincial legislation on legalized marijuana, including on the
minimum age for users.

A report from the federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and
Regulation said a federal minimum age for purchase of marijuana should
be set at 18, with the recommendation that individual provinces and
territories be allowed to "harmonize" the minimum age with that of
buying alcohol and tobacco.

"It's a balancing act, obviously, because on one hand the objective of
legalizing marijuana-for the most part - is to control it and to
actually make it more safe," Notley told Postmedia.

"And we are committing that we will engage with Albertans on some of
those options, and (age limits) will probably be one of them."

Notley said there are health issues associated with continued use of
marijuana in young adults, specifically when it comes to the
developing brain.

"Not everyone is going to agree, but I think it's really important
that we do engage (with Albertans) because I know lots of families are
concerned about safety on (marijuana)."

Alberta Liberal Leader Dr. David Swann made his party's recommendation
of a minimum age of 21 years old, calling it a compromise between the
task force's findings and medical research on marijuana use and the
developing brain.

"We're not just going to dive in without thought and understanding the
implications of this," Swann said.

"It's uncharted waters for us here.

"We've had a very prohibitionist approach to (marijuana), and that
culture now has to change."

In a statement, Angela Pitt, shadow justice minister with the Wildrose
party, said there are still lingering issues with how police will
enforce impaired driving.

"We believe given the overhaul these changes will have, it's important
to take time to hear back from police and medical officials on the
proposed age limit and whether it is appropriate for Alberta."

Notley has concerns that setting the minimum age higher than 18 could
lead young Albertans to try to purchase marijuana illegally, creating
a new black market.

Calgary Coun. Ward Sutherland, who sits on the city of Calgary's
Police Commission, said a black market for marijuana will always
exist, but concerns with youth health and impaired driving trump those
surrounding underage bootlegging.

"It's going to happen just like alcohol, we're naive to think any
different," Sutherland said. "It could create a black market, and the
fact that you're allowed to grow it at home, you just created your
black market right there."

Cam Battley, senior vice-president with Alberta-based Aurora Cannabis
and member of the Canadian Medical Cannabis Industry Association board
of directors, said the task force's recommendations on harmonizing the
ages is a "pragmatic approach," but there is a lot riding on getting
the legislation "right the first time."

"From Aurora's perspective, we defer absolutely to the provinces in
establishing the system that they think is best," Battley said.

"There's a lot riding on this and the world's eyes are upon us because
we're the first developed country in the world to legalize cannabis
for consumer use."
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MAP posted-by: Matt