Cannibis is coming

As spring approaches, so does the federal government’s promise to introduce legislation to legalize marijuana. The Justin Trudeau government announced back in April of last year that it would be introducing new legislation next spring. So now that spring is almost upon us, will that bill be coming soon?

Even when that bill arrives, it still needs to pass through the House of Commons and the Senate.

That could take months, perhaps extend into early 2018, and even then, the passing of the bill doesn’t mean legal marijuana will be available right away.

That may be more of a blessing, than a curse.

As the legislation meanders through the sluggish pace of government, this could allow time to prepare for the day when Canadians will actually be allowed to buy the drug legally.

Right now, production and possession of marijuana is illegal unless it has been authorized for medical purposes.

The allowed medicinal use, introduced about four years ago, has already led to a large number of Canadians using cannabis. The most recent Health Canada figures show almost 130,000 Canadians registered to purchase medical marijuana from licensed producers.

But what happens when pot becomes an option for any adult? Will users give the same consideration to using marijuana as they do to consuming alcohol?

The recent incident of an allegedly impaired Sunwing Airlines pilot, who was removed from the cockpit of a plane that was ready to fly out of Calgary, serves as a warning about the dangers of being high or drunk on the job.

Companies need to create or update their drug and alcohol policies in light of the pending legalization of marijuana.

Just as it would not be acceptable for employees to show up drunk at work or drink on the job, it should not be OK for workers to come to their jobs high or to smoke pot while at work.

Laws regarding the use of the drug must also be in place.

Just as it is illegal to drive while impaired or consume alcohol in public, it should also be illegal to drive or smoke pot or be high in a public place.

Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott admits it will take time to set up systems with all the provinces.

“We need to make sure that there is a strict regulatory process in place and that there are restrictions in terms of access.

We also have work to do on the public education front.”

The regulations and public education should start well before the drug is legalized.