Pubdate: Tue, 28 Mar 2017
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2017 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/send_a_letter
Website: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Michelle Gawronsky
Page: A7

MARIJUANA SALES SHOULD BE PUBLICLY OWNED, OPERATED

IT'S only a matter of time before marijuana sales will be legalized in
our country and that means the Pallister government has some important
decisions to make.

This past week, the Manitoba government tabled the Cannabis Harm
Prevention Act. We are very pleased the government is talking about
the legalization of marijuana and taking steps to ensure public safety
is kept in the highest regard. The legislation is focused on ensuring
Manitobans are not allowed to smoke marijuana in public places,
indoors or in vehicles. As well, it addresses the issue of driving
while high. These are fundamental matters of public safety, but if the
government truly wants to ensure social responsibly, it has to
recognize the need to keep the sale of this controlled substance public.

Our members who work for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries are experts in
the regulation and sale of liquor, a controlled substance, within a
public system. Perhaps better than any of us, they understand that a
publicly owned and operated system of marijuana sales and
distribution, along with a robust regulatory environment, is the only
way to keep public health at the forefront.

But they're not alone.

Organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (Canada) and the
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health are both advocating for a
publicly owned and operated system. And, it turns out, Manitobans feel
the same way. According to a recent Probe Research survey, two out of
every three Manitobans (65 per cent) think marijuana products should
be sold through government owned and managed stores, similar to Liquor
Marts.

To encourage a public debate about public health and safety, the
Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU) recently
released a detailed policy paper, The Public Advantage - Marijuana
Legalization in Manitoba. Drawing on the extensive body of research
about this subject, the position paper recommended that Manitoba
choose a public model that ensures safe sales, an impaired-driving
strategy, improved treatment options, public education campaigns, good
family-supporting jobs and quality service through stand-alone
publicly operated stores.

Public stand-alone stores will allow for marijuana to be sold
separately from liquor, but still in a socially responsible manner by
already well-trained staff who have the expertise in dealing with a
controlled substance. We have presented our recommendations to the
government caucus committee on the Legalization of Marijuana/Cannabis,
and in December, shared them with the ministers of justice, health and
Crown corporations.

Under a system of stores owned and operated by the government, there's
no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to establishing a model
and standards for safe sales. Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries already
has the existing capacity and expertise, with a proven track record of
dealing with controlled substances in a socially responsible manner.
Staff are already trained in how to deal with intoxicated people and
ensuring products do not get into the hands of minors.

There is also a very solid economic argument in favour of the
government controlling the sale of marijuana. Sales revenue will raise
an estimated $25 million annually to help the government reduce the
deficit without breaking its commitment to protect and improve public
services.

In particular, the revenue from marijuana sales could provide real
investment into underfunded addiction programs that help families and
save lives. Or to fund public awareness campaigns and education
programs to prevent "drugged driving," similar to campaigns centred
around drunk driving or texting and driving.

When it comes down to it, how our province decides to sell marijuana
will be determined by what kind of community we want to be. Publicly
controlled sales allow us to keep safety and health a priority from
the point of sale, to potential challenges down the road. It's only
common sense.

(Michelle Gawronsky is president of the Manitoba Government and General 
Employees' Union.)
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MAP posted-by: Matt