The BC Government has announced it's launching consultation sessions to hear from as many people as possible on how this province should handle the legalization of recreational marijuana.
The federal government has promised to legalize non-medical cannabis on July 1st next year -- just 8 months from now. With that deadline approaching Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says the government wants to hear from citizens how to protect kids, keep roads safe, and lock criminals out of the non-medical marijuana industry.
Starting today through November 1st people can share their views online about how to regulate sales and distribution in BC, and how to upgrade traffic-safety laws to keep people safe from cannabis impaired drivers. (http://www.engage.gov.bc.ca/BCcannabisregulation/)
In addition to the public engagement process, government will also seek advice from a cross-section of residents with a random telephone survey.
Stakeholders from local government, law enforcement, health, agriculture and other sectors will also be asked for input.
Farnworth made the announcement at the annual Union of BC Municipality convention in Vancouver. He has also invited the organization to form a standing committee on cannabis legalization so local governments can share their experience, knowledge and concerns on such issues as taxation, retail sales and personal cultivation in advance of regulations being put in place.