Municipalities are keen to hear province’s pot plan
Urban governments in Saskatchewan are getting “anxious” about the provincial government’s plans to deal with legalized marijuana, according to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).
The association on Tuesday called on the provincial government to start consulting about its plans for when the federal government follows through on its promise to legalize recreational cannabis in eight months.
SUMA president Gordon Barnhart said the pending legalization of marijuana looms as one of the chief concerns expressed during seven regional meetings held last month.
Other provincial governments are already establishing regulations, some of which feature heavy restrictions, while others leave many decisions to municipal governments.
“It’s a ripple effect and we’re anxious to hear from both levels of government about what’s on the radar so we can prepare as well,” Barnhart said.
Ontario announced its plans for government-run stores to sell marijuana in September and has set the legal age for purchase at 19. Alberta and New Brunswick have also announced part of their plans; British Columbia concludes its public consultation today.
SUMA members are already hearing from people who want to set up shops and people who want to produce cannabis in their communities, Barnhart said.
Decisions that await municipalities once the Saskatchewan Party government announces its plans could range from restricting retail locations to bylaw enforcement for public consumption. Barnhart said consultations on changes to municipal rules could take months.
“I don’t know that there’s any province yet that is completely prepared,” he said.
SUMA can assist the province with its legislation based on its consultations with municipalities, he added.
“Perhaps we can offer some advice that would steer them away from any pitfalls.”
Barnhart declined to share any of that advice on Tuesday.
The province has pledged to release its plans for legal marijuana once its review is completed this fall.
The provincial government’s online survey on marijuana legalization attracted tens of thousands of respondents.