Pot Bill Raises Questions

The MP for North Okanagan Shuswap says he has a lot of questions about the Liberal plan to legalize recreational use of marijuana.

Conservative Mel Arnold wonders how the government will get the training and tools in place for the testing and enforcement by the target date of July 1, 2018.

“I think they made an election promise that they hadn’t fully thought out. There’s a lot of questions to be raised.”

Arnold says small business needs guidelines for machine or equipment operators.

“How would you feel about taking your car in to have the brakes done by somebody who just smoked up around the corner. Those are the things they haven’t really looked at,” Arnold tells Kiss FM

Arnold feels the Trudeau government is rushing the plan just to meet an election promise.

“The status quo wasn’t working. We needed to go to decriminalization, but it’s not something they can solve just to meet a deadline target. They need to fully consult government agencies.”

Arnold has concerns about the idea of not laying charges for those under 18 caught with pot due to the ongoing effects of having a criminal record.

“What kind of a message does that send by saying you have to be 18 to buy it, but if you have it under 18, were not going to charge you? It’s a very mixed message.”

Arnold gives the legislation a failing grade at this point, saying it needs a lot more discussion.

The bill would set 18 as the minimum legal age to buy pot, and would allow adults to possess or buy up to 30 grams.

Justice Minister Judy Wilson Raybould says the government will take a zero-tolerance approach to drug-impaired driving.

“The police would be authorized to demand an oral fluid sample if they have reasonable suspicion that the driver has drugs in their body,” says the minister.

Health Minister Jane Philpott says there will be measures to prevent use by young people.

“The proposed legislation introduces severe penalties for those who sell our give cannabis to youth. It also restricts the advertising and promotion of cannabis so as not to appeal to youth.”

Consumers would be able to grow up to four plants at home or buy from a licensed retailer.