Pubdate: Thu, 15 Jun 2017
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2017 The Edmonton Journal
Website: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: Jeff Mooij
Page: A12

LET'S KEEP LEGALIZED CANNABIS PROFITS AT HOME

Stand-alone stores can lower prices while creating jobs, says Jeff
Mooij.

The Alberta government has wisely begun a broad consultation process
so the public can provide their input on the upcoming legalization of
cannabis.

As both the provinces and the federal government attempt to implement
new laws and regulations across the country, Alberta has the
opportunity to get it right and become a leader in the safe, informed
and responsible recreational consumption of cannabis.

Alberta can build from the strengths and avoid the pitfalls
experienced by other jurisdictions that have already legalized
recreational use. It was encouraging to see both Justice Minister
Kathleen Ganley and Finance Minister Joe Ceci visit Denver to learn
from their processes.

Colorado currently has a system that is providing education about
cannabis, ensuring safe and responsible use and ultimately generating
good revenue for their state.

The implementation of legal cannabis will come with a cost to the
government. It is critical to keep the revenue from this new industry
in our own province, particularly during a time of continuing low oil
prices and a need to diversify the economy.

This province currently has knowledgeable local producers who are
licensed to provide medical cannabis. Instead of importing from other
provinces or the United States, preference should be given to local
growers and distributors so the profits are reinvested right here at
home and good jobs are created and maintained.

Unfortunately, the current legislation, regulation and delivery
surrounding the provision of medical cannabis is often unclear and not
strictly enforced, which has led to abuses by non-legal providers and
confusion for patients who are trying to get safe medicine in legal
fashion.

A lot of this has to do with the delivery of medical cannabis through
the mail, where it is difficult to monitor and to ensure that you are
getting a regulated product that is legally produced and sold.

As the government moves through the consultation process and,
ultimately the process of legalization, one thing should remain
consistent: education.

We believe recreational users should have access to the same knowledge
that we currently provide our medical consumers so that informed and
safe choices can be made.

I would urge the government to consider stand-alone stores for the
sale of legal cannabis. These businesses can be tightly regulated,
provide educational resources and knowledgeable staff - all while
creating more good jobs here in Alberta.

Stand-alone dispensaries will also lower prices with competition while
providing more variety for the consumer. The private market is a
proven model throughout the states providing recreational availability
and would be less of a burden on Alberta taxpayers to fund than a
government-run model.

In short, we want to be less of a burden on our Alberta budget and
provide more jobs, more variety, more expertise, lower prices and help
eliminate the out-of-province influence taking money out of Alberta
and Canada.

Jeff Mooij is president and CEO of the 420 Clinic in Calgary, a resource 
for patients seeking medical marijuana.
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