Pubdate: Fri, 20 Nov 2015
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2015 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.winnipegsun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.winnipegsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503
Author: Joyanne Pursaga

LIQUOR MARTS SHOULD SELL LEGALIZED POT: SELINGER

Manitoba's premier wants the vast majority of future marijuana sales
to be handled just as alcohol ones are - under Crown corporation control.

Premier Greg Selinger said he believes those sales - which the federal
Liberal government has promised to legalize - should take place
through Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries staff within Liquor Marts. The
only exception would be for rural areas, where that option isn't available.

"The system we have in Manitoba allows for greater social
responsibility, 2% of the (revenues) are re-invested back into social
responsibility ... and to make sure that the public is safely served,"
said Selinger.

In 2013, the province mandated that 2% of MLLC revenue be allocated to
responsible gaming and consumption, as well as addictions treatment.

"These are all highly addictive drugs and we want to make sure
Manitobans get the best opportunity to be properly protected from
them," said Selinger.

The premier said he believes a strong training program for employees
already within Liquor and Lotteries will help them advise consumers on
the risks of marijuana use.

Marijuana advocate Steven Stairs says the province's idea makes sense,
but he'd prefer to see more of a shared model such as the one
Saskatchewan is set on implementing with its alcohol sales.

"It's definitely a good idea, as long as the Mom and Pop's can be
involved, too, on some level," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt