Pubdate: Mon, 14 Aug 2017
Source: Metro (Edmonton, CN AB)
Copyright: 2017 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Edmonton
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4475
Author: Elizabeth Cameron
Page: 5

POT LEGALIZATION SURVEY GENERATES HUGE RESPONSE

Albertans have a lot to say about legalizing cannabis outside medical
purposes, judging by the number of people who shared their thoughts
with the province in a recent survey.

Just over 45,000 Albertans took the online questionnaire about how the
province should approach legalization, according to the Justice and
Solicitor General's office.

The survey, which sought feedback on people's priorities - road
safety, eliminating the black market or keeping pot away from minors,
for example - closed July 31.

The federal government wants to make recreational cannabis legal by
July 2018, but many key decisions have to be made by provinces - such
as where and how the drug can be sold or how products should be taxed.

A provincial pot framework, based on feedback from the survey as well
as more than 100 organizations will be released in the fall. Albertans
will then have an opportunity to review it and submit additional
feedback, according to the Justice and Solicitor General's office.

One of the biggest questions is whether Albertans will be able to
purchase cannabis at the same age they do alcohol or cigarettes.

Some, including the Canadian Psychiatrists' Association, have
recommended the minimum age to purchase pot be as high as 25 years
old.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt