Pubdate: Tue, 22 Dec 2015
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2015 The Leader-Post Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.leaderpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Author: Alex MacPherson
Page: A1

WALL WARY OF SELLING WEED IN PROVINCE'S LIQUOR STORES

Despite suggestions from two Canadian premiers that legalized weed be
sold in provincial liquor stores, Saskatchewan's premier has more
pressing concerns than point-of-sale mechanics.

"I think there are still questions to ask before we start worrying
about where it's sold," Brad Wall told reporters on Monday.

Although reports from jurisdictions such as Colorado where
recreational marijuana use is legal are "very preliminary," it appears
that usage is increasing and users are becoming younger, Wall said.
"Our counsel would be, let' s learn as much as we can," he said.
"Let's take some time and learn as much as we can from what's going on
in Colorado."

Tools for detecting marijuana at roadside sobriety checks are not
readily available and lag behind those used to identify drunk drivers
in sophistication, which is another concern, Wall added.

Inane mailed statement, a spokeswoman for the provincial government
confirmed that the province has not considered using Saskatchewan
Liquor and Gaming stores for retail sales of marijuana.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party campaigned on a promise
to legalize recreational marijuana, and reaffirmed its plans in the
throne speech delivered earlier this month. The new government plans
to remove possession of small amounts of marijuana from the Criminal
Code and create new laws to more severely punish people who provide it
to minors or drive while under its influence.

In November, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said government liquor
stores are the best place to sell marijuana if and when the federal
government legalizes the drug.

Selinger said Manitoba Liquor Mart outlets have staff who are
well-trained on the potential risks of alcohol, and he suggests they
would be in the same position to provide advice about marijuana.

"We'd like to do it under the existing system we have, which is a
publicly offered service, with some exceptions in small communities
where there is no (government) provision," he said.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said there hasn't been enough
discussion about the distinctions between medicinal and recreational
marijuana, which is one reason she suggested Ontario's government-run
liquor stores would be well-suited to retailing legalized pot.

"The reason I put forward the (Liquor Control Board of Ontario stores)
as the possible distribution network is that I want to make it clear
that I see the need for a socially responsible approach to this,"
Wynne said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt