Pubdate: Wed, 14 Jun 2017
Source: News, The (New Glasgow, CN NS)
Copyright: 2017 Transcontinental Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ngnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3343
Page: 6

MORE CONCERNS, FEW ANSWERS

Many have noted the federal government's vision on recreational
marijuana regulations remains notably blurry. With legalization
anticipated about a year from now, the questions continue, as do
recommendations about where to draw certain lines.

The legal age to possess and partake is right up there among concerns.
To that end, the New Brunswick Medical Society has weighed in this
week, saying the bar should be set at 21. They add that the legal age
for tobacco purchase and consumption should also be 21.

They of course would not be the first medical society to make such a
recommendation about cannabis.

The organization cites reasons that have been outlined before,
particularly from health professionals. Younger brains are still
developing and can be severely affected by marijuana use - or alcohol
for that matter.

In fact, the society says for this reason it would rather see sales
unavailable to anyone under age 25, but acknowledges that would be
unrealistic.

The overall intent of this landmark change in legislation and
attitudes remains sound - to regulate sales rather than leave them in
the hands of criminals. Some might argue marijuana should not be
legalized, but they appear to be in the minority, or else are silent
on the subject.

But the health community is appealing for that fine line to be
determined in the interests of public safety.

Where age restrictions come in, the federal government had set out a
benchmark of 19, adding that provinces would be able to alter that
somewhat if they felt the need.

Provincial governments seem to be agreeing with 19 as the logical
choice, oddly enough tying it to the legal age to purchase alcohol in
most provinces. But that's an arbitrary age choice - outside the
assumption in some circles that liquor stores will be designated as
the purveyors of marijuana.

That's another aspect governments should give more thorough
consideration. Is there a good, logical reason, for example, to have
sales of one particular drug alongside sales of another?

Could we expect liquor store staff to be as knowledgeable about
different strains and anticipated psychoactive effects as, for
example, pharmacists?

Another interesting recommendation being made by the New Brunswick
Medical Society is that provinces not set profit targets for marijuana
sales.

That's more good advice, since the temptation of cash-hungry
governments across the country might be to hope for a windfall in
marijuana sales.

And if we've learned anything in the history of governments and
sources of revenue of a 'recreational' nature - gambling for example -
the profits are always welcome. But the help for problem users or
addicts leaves much to be desired.

The clock is ticking toward legalization. There are still plenty of
questions regarding control, monitoring and restrictions.

It's time for assurances that we'll have some answers.
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MAP posted-by: Matt