Pubdate: Wed, 26 Jul 2017
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2017 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Ryan Ross
Page: A1

POT PLANS

Legislation on details such as the age of consumption and distribution
likely coming in the spring, says Premier Wade MacLauchlan

P.E.I. will likely see legislation in the spring to get the province
ready for marijuana legalization, says Premier Wade
MacLauchlan.

MacLauchlan recently returned from Council of the Federation meetings
in Edmonton where Ottawa's plan to legalize marijuana was discussed.

The most likely scenario for P.E.I. is that in the spring legislative
session the government will introduce legislation to deal with issues
like the age of consumption and distribution.

"The decisions would need to be made before that," he
said.

Regionally, MacLauchlan said the Maritime provinces are working on a
common approach to the legal age of consumption and how marijuana will
be distributed.

Nationally, the provinces and territories have formed a working group
to look at several issues, including public safety and public health.
That working group will also deal with issues around supply, price and
distribution.

All of the changes will have to be made before legalization in July
2018.

MacLauchlan said there will be consultations in P.E.I. for people to
give feedback on the legal age of consumption.

"Really, I think it is to go at it with a view to it being the same
age, certainly in the three Maritime provinces and ideally the four
Atlantic provinces," he said.

When it comes to distribution, MacLauchlan said the first question
will be whether it is through public or private means and if it will
be through the same locations where alcohol is sold.

"This will have to be decided over the course of the coming months,"
he said.

MacLauchlan said the provincial and territorial working group will
release its report by the first of November.

The public awareness component will take longer, MacLauchlan
said.

"What choices people make and what the health issues
are."

When it comes to drivers impaired by marijuana, MacLauchlan said there
aren't enough people in the province who can give evidence that will
lead to a conviction and more will have to be trained.

"That's definitely something that needs to take place."

MacLauchlan said public education on the dangers of consuming
marijuana and driving will be a big part of legalization - for people
to realize that if you're consuming marijuana and driving you're
impaired," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt