The province of Alberta is looking for feedback on proposed framework for the legalization of cannabis.
Residents have until Oct. 27 to share their views on the framework released by the province. But Bonnyville-Cold Lake MLA Scott Cyr believes that isn't long enough.
“Thirty days right in the middle of a municipal election, especially with the fact that there are quite a number of contested races and we could end up with a lot of new councils,” he said, adding he wishes the government would extend their consultation period.
The framework defines who will be permitted to buy, sell, and consume cannabis once it's legalized. It also determines where users will be allowed to consume the drug.
Age of consumption and purchase was a concern for residents across Alberta. The released proposal permits anyone 18 or older to purchase and consume the drug.
Cyr said although he isn't all-for the minimum age proposed, it's trickier than people think.
Studies have shown that anyone consuming cannabis up to the age of 24 can result in adverse affects on brain growth development. Cyr said the drug is harmful to youth, but it's not as simple as telling adults 18 and over that they can't partake.
“The age of 18 is the age of majority and people can start making their own decisions. This is where you have to find balance. Unfortunately, whenever we are doing this, we have to make the decision on what do we want to do here? Do we want to tell people how to live their lives, or do we want to make sure people are protected?” Cyr said. “I don't see how we can get around putting it at 18. That's not my favourite answer… We do need to understand and make sure people know that 18 is the age that we consider people to be an adult and able to make decisions on their own.”
His concern lies in the hands of youth.
What Cyr doesn't want to see, is anyone under the age of 18 getting their hands on seeds or cannabis itself.
“I think we always need to be looking at making sure our young Albertans, our workplace safety, and making sure people aren't driving impaired is one of the biggest focuses we have bringing in this new drug.”
Although the government hasn't determined exactly how they are going to test for impairment while on the road or in the workplace, he hopes that the process is well thought out and implemented.
The province has decided to oversee and regulate wholesaling and distribution of cannabis products through the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC).
“I would hope that implementation is done fairly and everyone has the ability to have access to this drug in a reasonable and safe way,” noted Cyr.
The provincial government has also set a 30-gram limit for public possession.
Users can grow up to four plants in their homes, however they can't be taller than one-metre and are for personal use only.
Also specified are restrictions on retail locations selling alcohol, tobacco, or pharmaceuticals together with cannabis, and strict zoning rules around retail locations and employee training.
The province will also determine where users can consume cannabis, with an emphasis on protecting children, and limiting second-hand consumption.
“I am cautious when it comes to anything that we smoke, and we need to be very cognizant of the fact that smoke does impact other people. We need to be sure we are protecting the rights of those who do want to use this drug, but also those who don't want to be impacted by the use of this drug,” Cyr expressed.
Municipalities will also have the ability to apply further restrictions on public consumption.
The province will work on creating new tools to aid police in addressing drug-impaired driving, and develop a public education program.
Cyr encourages all residents to fill out the survey before the Oct. 27 deadline. The survey can be found on the Province of Alberta website.
