Ontario seeks public opinion on pot regulation

Yorkregion.com
July 12, 2017
By Ali Raza

Ontarians can have their say in cannabis legalization as the province prepares to establish regulations for the drug.

 

The province is seeking public input on cannabis legalization, specifically in three major factors: public health, road safety and harm prevention.

 

This follows the introduction of the federal government’s Cannabis Act, which - if passed - will legalize and regulate cannabis across Canada by July 2018. As part of the federal plan, provinces and territories will create their own regulations for the distribution, sale and consumption of cannabis.

 

The Ontario Legalization of Cannabis Secretariat is hosting several forums and engagement sessions. It is hearing from participants that include municipal partners, public health experts, law enforcement, community agencies, youth advocates, Indigenous communities and licensed producers.

 

Ontario recently made changes allowing police to remove drivers from the road who are believed to be impaired by drugs. Additionally, the Cannabis Act includes tougher penalties for drug-impaired driving, including impairment by cannabis and other drugs.

 

As of July 12, Ontarians can participate in an online survey that will ask for your input on cannabis legalization and related discussions. The survey closes July 31, it’s available at ontario.ca/cannabis