Local candidates await legislation
Uncertainty clouds legalization of marijuana, but all parties favour laws to protect public
The federal government today will introduce legislation to legalize marijuana by July 2018, but local candidates in the May 9 provincial election remain largely unsure of what that will mean for Kelowna.
“We’re all waiting in anticipation to see what the federal government does and what legalization looks like at that level,” said Alison Shaw, Green candidate for Kelowna-Lake Country.
It will be up to provincial governments to decide how marijuana is bought and sold.
“I think the same or very similar rules and regulations that surround alcohol should be the same rules and regulations that surround marijuana and tobacco,” said Robert Mellalieu, Green candidate for Kelowna West.
However, Mellalieu would like to see the age limit raised to 21 for marijuana.
“There is some evidence that it causes problems during brain development,” he said. “That would be my only concern at this point.”
Rather than being sold in liquor stores, Mellalieu said he would like to support small, independent businesses.
“It would be nicer if the cannabis suppliers could buy directly from the grower,” he said.
Shaw said she would like to see strict regulations in place for marijuana growers to ensure safety for users.
“It should be regulated with the same standards that our food is regulated, if not stricter standards,” she said.
Legalizing marijuana will also increase public safety by redirecting police efforts, she said.
“In Kelowna, there seems to be a disconnect between policing and what the police force is willing to tolerate and the new dispensaries that are opening up in the area,” said Shaw.
“I think it’s really important that our police services are being used wisely in this domain. I think decriminalization could really redirect those policing services to things that are far more integral to maintaining community safety.”
One of the issues surrounding marijuana legalization is the stigma associated with marijuana use, said Mellalieu.
“Anyone who smokes pot is a criminal, but the only reason they’re a criminal is because we made a law that says they’re a criminal,” he said. “It’s become a moral issue, and it shouldn’t be a moral issue. People get entrenched in their opinions and beliefs, and it’s very hard to change people’s minds, no matter what evidence you present them.”
The BC NDP is waiting until the federal legislation comes out before disclosing specific plans and opinions about the distribution of marijuana, said Erik Olesen, candidate for Kelowna-Lake Country.
“Until we as a party see the federal legislation, it’s hard to say where it’s going to be sold, what the age limit will be, how it should
be taxed, labelling, driving laws and stuff like that,” he said.
The NDP supports legalizing marijuana, but residents and municipalities need to be consulted as part of the planning process, said Olesen.
“The province should be doing more proactive consultation on how legalization will roll out, which Christy Clark hasn’t done,” he said. “Our focus is ensuring that there is fair and effective regulation that meets the law and ensuring people are safe and it isn’t accessible to children.”
Steve Thomson, Liberal candidate for Kelowna-Mission, also said he could not say much about the topic until the federal government releases its legislation.
“The provincial role will depend on the federal legislation, (and) we will work with the legislation once we see it,” he said. “Our focus has been and always will remain on health and public safety.”
Potential age limits or modes of distribution are also unknown at this time, said Thomson.
“Just as we look at the regulation of any product, whether it be liquor or food, we want to make sure public health and safety is protected,” he said. “I think the Ministry of Health will take the lead on that.”