Alberta still hashing out pot policy as feds aim for 2018 marijuana legalization

Alberta’s NDP will await federal legislation and a public conversation before rolling out its own policies around legalized pot, Premier Rachel Notley said Monday.

With the feds reportedly set to announce legislation next month with the aim of making marijuana legal by next Canada Day, Notley said Alberta isn’t rushing to put its own stamp on the policy before setting eyes on it, or before asking Albertans to weigh in.

“We are concerned about ensuring the safety and health of young Albertans and ensuring we don’t kick-start another black market,” she said.

“We haven’t landed on those key decisions yet because haven’t consulted with Albertans.”

The new federal legislation reportedly sets the minimum age to purchase legal weed at 18, though provinces will have the discretion to set a higher limit.

Provinces will also be responsible for determining how legal marijuana will be sold and distributed, as well as having the right to set its price.

Notley said once the federal legislation is tabled, her party will review it and consult with Albertans before cooking up a final plan.

It’s a strategy that’s gone largely unchanged by Alberta’s ruling NDP, who have consistently said they won’t craft any policy around the drug until they know exactly what parameters they’ll be working within.

Asked if the province will advise its Crown prosecutors to change how they prosecute crimes involving marijuana, Notley said those decisions will remain up to those in the justice system, not politicians.

“At the end of the day, it will be up to the prosecution service what laws they enforce or don’t enforce,” she said.