Beyond the baby steps

The differing approaches to regulating alcohol sales across the country make for an interesting contrast. On the one hand, those who defend restricting the product to government-run outlets paint it as an issue of safety. Others, who champion a more hands-off approach to commerce, like to see this like other business — left up to the private sector.

We’re seeing the same dichotomy coming at us with the pending legalization of cannabis.

Many of the provinces, Nova Scotia included, have presented legislation that would see recreational marijuana sales left to provincially run liquor corporations. Elsewhere, such as British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, private operators will be able to sell cannabis products, after obtaining the appropriate licences.

Alberta, as well, is one of the provinces to have privatized liquor sales — a move that some feel is overdue in other areas, and is often opposed by those who argue on the safety and security ticket. Notably, it’s also opposed by the unions representing liquor store employees.

But there’s more in the wind where sales and partaking are concerned.

While provinces also grapple with where recreational users will be able to light up, one company wants to offer those people a certain ambience. Second Cup, the coffee shop chain, last week announced it had signed an agreement with marijuana clinic operator National Access Cannabis to develop and operate a network of recreational pot stores. The aim is to offer cannabis dispensaries after the substance is legal and eventually open up pot lounges, although that would depend on government approval.

The announcement created a buzz. According to an article last week by The Canadian Press, shares in the Canadian restaurant operator rose as much as 31 per cent before closing up 28.73 per cent at $3.54 on Thursday.

It is an interesting proposal. Think of what has helped make Amsterdam famous over the years — cannabis cafés.

It goes a step beyond what legislators have so far envisioned regarding consumption. Nearly everything will be off limits. It’ll be much like the kind of experience tobacco smokers have faced in recent years — most places, verboten; at home, if it’s not allowed inside, take it out on the deck or somewhere in the driveway.

Some jurisdictions, Ontario among them, have begun looking into the possibility of allowing licensed cannabis consumption lounges.

The apparent perception here is, somewhat apart from the tobacco smoking experience, the smoking of marijuana has long been a kind of communal thing — not unlike chums getting together for a pint at the local alehouse.

It’s not surprising that provincial politicians would be cautious with the regulations surrounding use of this product. Who, after all, would have guessed a decade ago that the substance would become a legal entity by 2018? Not exactly ages ago it was still the killer weed.

In coming years, as people get more used to the idea, perhaps we can expect to see legislation allowing more creative experiences – along with ways to let private entrepreneurship in on this game.