Pubdate: Thu, 25 Jan 2018
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2018 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Page: A8

CAUTION BEST OPTION

Despite criticism from a consumer advocacy group, the province is wise
to proceed cautiously with regulations governing the pending
legalization of marijuana. Islanders should be able to legally light
up July 1 but there are hints from Ottawa of a delay by several weeks.

More information on P.E.I.'s regulations was released last week,
adding details to plans announced in early December. Most of the
provincial rules seem reasonable, and based on recent polls and
analysis, caution is advisable.

It appears that many Islanders don't plan to use marijuana. It's
estimated that approximately 20 per cent use the drug now, and those
numbers are not expected to move significantly upwards after July 1.

This week, Corporate Research Associates confirmed earlier polls and
projections - there won't be any stampede by Atlantic Canadians to
purchase marijuana, especially on P.E.I.

So why would the province open a large number of outlets to sell
marijuana when the demand is unknown and questionable?

It was disappointing last year when the Atlantic provinces failed to
come together for joint cooperation on marijuana. The provinces opted
to go separate ways on production, distribution, marketing,
enforcement and public education. If they can't agree on
interprovincial rules for liquor, how did we expect co-operation on
marijuana?

The most controversial decisions by the government last week were to
limit the number of provincially run retail outlets to four and the
number of suppliers to three. The consumer group says these are
insufficient to meet demand, and warned that the lack of choice and
access will keep an illegal black market alive.

The province plans to go with government-operated retail outlets in
Charlottetown, Summerside, West Prince and Montague. People wishing to
buy pot can also order on-line for home delivery. This seems prudent
until demand and costs are determined.

The consumer group says retail outlets should be decided by market
demand. That won't be known until well after July 1. The group argues
that limiting possession to 30 grams and access to three companies is
unfair - comparing it to only having three brands of beer or wine
available in liquor stores. But people are very nervous and cautious
near marijuana, and it's likely that Islanders wishing to use the drug
will buy it legally and in small quantities, or not at all. The four
stores and e-commerce option should eliminate the black market as long
as prices are competitive.

If the demand proves greater than projected, the province has the
option of increasing the number of retail outlets and the number of
suppliers. This is new territory for governments and there is no need
to flood the market with outlets or drug choices.

Private sector outlets are always a future option, but for now,
government control in public outlets seems the more prudent course.
The market may dictate changes but the responsible decision is to
proceed with caution.

Maybe the same approach to alcohol will work for recreational
marijuana at some point. But too many questions remain for such a
gamble at this time.
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MAP posted-by: Matt