Wrinkles in weed

As expected, there were glitches and growing pains with the legal sale of recreational marijuana on P.E.I. last week. Government opted to err on the side of caution with strict rules and regulations on legalization day, Oct. 17. Until the opening rush was over, and staff could assess sales and gauge feedback from consumers, those rigid policies were going to remain. A few made sense, some were intrusive and others unnecessary. But government did act quickly to make changes. Again, it’s a work in progress. The province is willing to take criticism for being too strict and politicians are treading carefully — reluctant to fully embrace the reality we are now dealing with a legal product. Privately, government must be pleased with opening sales — more than $152,000 on Oct. 17 alone — and almost $600,000 in the first week. There were line-ups and some products sold out. It suggests that supply must be increased and more variety is needed. A man in line at the Charlottetown cannabis store was turned away because his driver’s license had expired. Why? A woman who offered photo ID from Quebec was also turned away because scanners couldn’t read her card. Out-of-province shoppers were out of luck. Why? Some Islanders were concerned that scanners were storing personal information off IDs they had no reason or right to collect. There was a complaint and P.E.I.’s information and privacy commissioner launched an investigation. With an embarrassing inquiry looming, Finance Minister Heath MacDonald acted quickly. The rule of thumb should have been, what’s OK for customers at liquor stores, should be OK in cannabis stores. We’re getting there as Minister MacDonald ditched scanners and the universal demand for IDs. It’s common sense. IDs should be requested for age issues only. The cost of legal cannabis products upset some shoppers, who suggested the prices at stores were sometimes double what illegal suppliers are charging. The threat posed by the black market is an issue government must address. Yes, the government product is safe and legal but if the price is that different, there is a problem. Now another issue is looming. Some landlords, who allow smoking in apartments, are banning marijuana. What’s fair for one must be fair for both. Allow both or ban both. Tenancy laws should more clearly outline what landlords can and cannot restrict. The same applies to public housing. Housing services won’t permit smoking or vaping of recreational cannabis in any P.E.I. housing-owned building. Some public buildings permit cigarettes, much to the chagrin of many residents. Yet government, which seems indifferent to exposing seniors to cigarette smoke, suddenly has an issue with marijuana fumes. Banning both seems the wiser course of action for landlords and government. Current laws are too restrictive when marijuana can only be smoked inside private dwellings. What options do visitors or tourists have on P.E.I.? It’s inevitable that controlled cannabis sections are needed in bars and restaurants; or designated separate facilities are required. Government opened this door and now must deal with it.