We Need To Be Ready For Legal Cannabis

Re: Legalization of pot dreadful policy, letter by Joseph R. Betschel, June 29.

I have been listening keenly to all perspectives on the upcoming implementation of cannabis legalization in Windsor.

It is shocking to note the polarization in opinion on this piece of legislation has been largely dictated by age. There’s no doubt that criticism is useful. After all, it helps shape responsible policy.

However, the fact of the matter is that legal cannabis is coming to Canada, and it is coming to Windsor. Right now, our region has big companies like Aphria and Auxly bringing jobs in. These companies are making big investments, and this is good for our struggling economy.

As we see NAFTA up in the air, and possibly up in smoke, there is a real opportunity to replace an industry that has been volatile for years. An industry that has caused a lot of hurt for Windsor. There is no certainty in our automotive industry anymore. Most importantly, I worry about those coming into this discussion without sciencebased evidence.

We are all in this together, and we need to work together to make sure that community needs are respected, jobs are secure, and that our youth are not wrongly criminalized. This is a big change coming, and we need to make sure that we are ready.

Lillian B. Kruzsely, Windsor