Provinces facing short timeline if 2018 deadline to be met

o slow — take your time,” is the excellent advice Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was given last year on his plan to legalize recreational marijuana in Canada. The speaker was none other than Anne McLellan, leader of the federal government’s task force on the issue, and her message was do your homework and get the job right the first time around.

The caution from this former Liberal deputy prime minister was wise. It seems even more urgent now after nine Canadian premiers told the prime minister last week they have so many concerns about his promise to legalize recreational pot starting July 1, 2018 that they may ask him to postpone the change.

Trudeau’s target date, they warned, “may be unrealistic.” Trudeau immediately quashed the possibility of any delay in keeping a major election promise and meeting his deadline — arbitrary though the latter is. That was a mistake. The premiers’ questions are legitimate, significant and need answers.

While Ottawa has the power to legalize recreational pot, the provincial governments have a major role to play. And it could take more than the 11 months before the current legalization deadline for them to be fully prepared.

The provinces, not Ottawa, will be responsible for the sale of recreational marijuana. But should it be done by government-run outlets — like the Liquor Control Board of Ontario stores — or