Councils should say yes to retail pot

So far legalization of recreational cannabis hasn’t been entirely smooth, although it hasn’t been nearly as bad as many predicted. But there are still problems with supply. Online ordering with delivery by Canada Post is a clumsy and frustrating process. The worst thing about those problems is that they’ve resulted in illegal sales remaining strong.

But none of these problems should add up to Hamilton and Burlington city councils saying no to retail cannabis sales when they vote on the matter Monday. They may well say no, which would be a mistake.

The upside of allowing retail sales outweighs the downside. A new revenue source for governments. A safe and secure supply, without the health and security risks that go along with black market sales.

Most importantly: every cannabis dollar that flows through legal channels is one that won’t flow through that black market. Every regulated sale will replace an unregulated sale, with all the risk it carries.

Evidence suggests that overall cannabis consumption has increased only modestly since legalization. That’s not surprising. But legalization has meant police and courts aren’t wasting time prosecuting people for simple possession of marijuana.

Saying no to retail sales won’t stop sales from happening, it will only force more business to the illegal side. Users wanting to buy retail legally will just go to neighbouring jurisdictions that voted yes.

Legal cannabis is here because Canadians told Justin Trudeau they wanted it. Let’s get on with the job of realizing all the potential benefits legal pot offers.