The Legalization of Cannabis
The City Council meeting on February 12th drew attention to the federal cannabis legislation and the impact it will have on the City of Moose Jaw. There has been confusion and controversy surrounding the issue of legalizing cannabis. My hope is that this article will help to eliminate the confusion and diffuse any of the controversy surrounding this touchy subject.
It must be pointed out that this is a federal law that is being introduced to decriminalize cannabis use. It is not about medicinal or prescription cannabis use. Many people have confused these two issues. The federal government is keeping strict control and delivery of prescription or medical marijuana.
This particular federal Bill, which is scheduled to be passed sometime this summer, has a direct impact on recreational use and how it is introduced into the communities. For the City of Moose Jaw, early indications are that Council would like to have the two dispensaries safe distances from schools, daycare centres, youth centres and addiction centres. The challenges we are facing is the new training and policing that will be required after this law is passed.
The business of City Council is to make Bylaws based on facts. Previous to the February 12th Council meeting, controversy surrounding the cannabis legislation was elevated by comments I had made during a radio interview. I was asked to make comments concerning a Press Release issued by the Province. That Press Release only gave a high level view and I expressed a cautious approach and a concern regarding the lack of details for Council to make an informed decision. This cautious approach also created controversy surrounding my personal views on the matter and whether the City of Moose Jaw would be getting the two allotted recreational dispensaries issued by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. It is important to look past sensationalist headlines in the social media and read the full article.
My personal view is that what people choose to do in their own homes is their business as long as it is not hurting another individual. What happens in the community is, however, my concern, and I was elected to make decisions in the best interests of the community. How this is safely introduced through Bylaws and policed is the role of Council.
The introduction of legalized cannabis will take some time and the federal and provincial governments will require more time before releasing additional facts and information to cities such as ours. Once that is received, Council will be able to introduce a Bylaw in the best interests of the community as a whole.