Take cautious approach with pot revolution

Everyone is making a big fuss about July 1 this year, the country’s 150th birthday.

But next year’s anniversary will have a far greater impact on the nation than this year’s bash. That’s the day the Trudeau government’s landmark policy to legalize weed comes into effect.

July 1, 2018, will mark a sea change after almost 100 years of prohibition as Canada becomes the first G7 country to legalize and regulate the production, sale and use of recreational marijuana.

The change will affect most Canadians, even those who’ve never dreamed of lighting up a joint: parents, educators, people with medical conditions or mental health troubles, anyone who could potentially face the increased threat of those driving under the influence of marijuana.

Despite its significance, many details around this landmark policy change remain as hazy as a smoke-filled room.

Some provinces, such as Manitoba, have expressed deep dismay at the tight timelines Ottawa has set. The feds, however, have been clear the deadline for legalization is firm. That insistence is unwise. All parties agree creating a new regime governing legalized marijuana is an enormously complex task.

Issues to be addressed cover a broad range, from the clear evidence of harm to young brains, to the logistics of enforcement.

For example, some police forces are now testing portable screening devices to catch those who drive while impaired from pot. But each of the country’s 180 police forces has just over a year to acquire the devices, train officers and establish protocols for their use.

Science provides clear evidence that the brains of young people continue to develop into their 20s and that young people who smoke marijuana are more prone to permanent and severe problems with mental ability and mental health. But details on how governments will inform kids of those dangers is still lacking.

The marijuana tax regime remains murky, too. Ottawa wants to keep cannabis taxes low, so people don’t turn to illegal suppliers. Ottawa argues provincial policing and court costs could go down with legalization.

But provinces have made it clear they feel they should have most of the revenue, as they expect to shoulder many costs, from dependence treatment to policing of impaired drivers and sales to minors, to regulating sales outlets.

Municipalities have also chimed in, saying they will face new costs in land-use regulation, business licensing and policing. There are worries about supply. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated 655 tonnes of marijuana could be sold in the first year after legalization. Licensed users of medical marijuana complain the current system is often out of stock.

Health Canada will have to work overtime to ensure there are enough legal producers to meet consumer demand or else criminals will fill the void.

Given the array of complex issues, Ottawa’s first priority should be to ensure it comes up with the best possible regulatory regime.

Achieving that aims is far more important than meeting an artificial deadline.