Pubdate: Tue, 08 Aug 2017
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Copyright: 2017 The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v17/n249/a10.html
Author: Jim Hickman
Page: A10

POT: THIS IS PROGRESS?

You raise valid points concerning the lack of clarity surrounding the
impending legalization of marijuana - and its effects, be they
economic, health or regulatory (When It Comes To Pot Rules, We're In A
Daze, editorial, Aug. 4).

Now we have provinces vying to distribute the stuff through their
liquor-control operations. Drug stores want in on the action. Licences
to grow it appear to be doled out inconsistently.

Maybe it's better to leave well enough alone. Some businesses in
Toronto sell the stuff illegally in a truly efficient manner.

They send you texts every Monday with their "menu," detailing whether
it's cannabis sativa or indica, the percentage of THC, the effects
and, of course, the price. Text an order between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
and it will be delivered to your door between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in a
stink-proof foil bag, complete with a bar code on it.

In Victoria, there are beautifully designed stores, as nice as any
retail outlet, selling edibles and all manner of marijuana, with
knowledgeable staff advising you.

Even though these dispensaries are illegal, police seem to look the
other way.

Now that the government is in on the act, studying and regulating it
to death before next July's legalization, with the provinces already
quibbling, we have to wonder if this is truly progress.

Jim Hickman, Bracebridge, Ont.
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MAP posted-by: Matt