Pubdate: Tue, 01 Dec 2015
Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531
Author: Mark Conlin
Page: A9

TIME TO PAY SOME ATTENTION TO HOW MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION WILL BE DONE

Over this past year, as an organizer for Sensible BC, I have 
contacted representatives of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, the 
Central Okanagan Parent Advisory Council and - repeatedly - Premier 
Christy Clark's office, with the offer to meet and discuss the 
ramifications of the impending marijuana legalization.

As an organization, Sensible BC has medical professionals, clinical 
researchers, growers, patients and dispensary representatives that 
can provide the necessary expertise which allow our communities to 
transition from prohibition to a legal, regulated industry. Thus far, 
none of those contacted have shown any interest in discussing this issue.

This strikes me as being very short-sighted. This is, even as it 
currently exists, a multi-billion dollar industry in Canada. How will 
it work when legal? Will there be local jobs? How will it be 
distributed? What about the taxation rate? Can we grow it personally? 
What about medical needs?

As you can see, there's a lot of things that will need to be 
addressed and they are all issues that must be determined at the 
provincial and municipal levels.

Seems like there's always been a lot of concern expressed over public 
safety and health when it comes to cannabis. Now, when it's really 
important that we address those concerns, those parties with the 
greatest stake appear to prefer burying their heads rather than 
working together in coming up with a viable system. For the record, 
the offer stands.

Mark Conlin, organizer, Sensible BC,

West Kelowna
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom