Private liquor stores will have extensive signage warning of the dangers of smoking marijuana SA国际影视传媒� that's if they choose to sell weed once it's legalized.This new information came out at a public briefing at the legislative assembly on the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation Act, or Bill 6, recently. Community consultations on have since started, with MLAs on a whirlwind tour of 16 communities in 11 days.
While the GNWT has finalized an agreement with the liquor commission to retail cannabis in liquor stores, Minister of Justice Louis Sebert said the owners of outlets across the NWT do have an option.
"They (liquor stores) certainly do not have to sell marijuana if they don't wish to," said Sebert.
Communities without liquor stores will have access to mail order marijuana which will also be regulated by the government.
The GNWT has budgeted $125,000 for advertising on the health effects of smoking marijuana.
Yellowknife Centre MLA Julie Green questioned why 19 SA国际影视传媒� which is the legal age for consuming alcohol in the NWT SA国际影视传媒� was chosen as the purchase and possession cutoff for marijuana. She asked the minister whether or not the department had conducted research into the lasting effects marijuana has on people under the age of 25.
"I don't think it's practical to have a prohibition up to that age," replied Sebert. "Our understanding is that a majority of users come from the 19 to 25 demographic."
Green asked if there were any other alternatives considered.
"I suppose you could have what we had for the past 90 or 100 years and that is a prohibition but clearly that isn't working," said Sebert. "Our understanding is a considerable number of people between 19 to 25 are already using. And we didn't want to further criminalize anyone."
Communities on the fence
As for communities which are on the fence about allowing marijuana SA国际影视传媒� they might want to determine a firm position sooner than later.
In the proposed legislation of Bill 6 there is a possibility for communities to vote on whether or not they will sell marijuana.
However the deadline for the first of a seven-step process is in two weeks.
Before May 1, residents who do not want marijuana in the community will approach municipal and band councils to voice their concern.
By May 5, councils will have to contact the GNWT if they wish to vote on a prohibition or limit the selling of marijuana in their respective community.
"These smaller communities would have to think of a plebiscite fairly quickly," said Sebert. "Assuming a majority are in agreement, a vote of restrictions will be implemented on June 27."
Frame Lake MLS Kevin O'Reilly suggested using the existing liquor model for conducting a plebiscite.
"If 20 per cent of voters ask for a plebiscite on alcohol it's up the minister to decide how to deal with it," he said. "That would seem to serve as model which would fit the needs of the community and business owners."
Sebert said the process is in place to ensure profit for liquor retailers who chose to sell cannabis
"I think the owners of those stores will need some certainty going forward that their related sales will not be hindered on the change of local opinion," said Sebert. " It does restrict the abilities of the communities where there is a cannabis store to prohibit a cannabis store, but I think its reasonable."
Cannabis products are expected to be sold at checkout counters in existing liquor stores, where customers will have to ask a cashier for the product.
The products will be displayed behind glass in stores where display cases are available, stated Todd Sasaki, communications officer for the finance department, in an email.
"For stores without display cases, full colour posters with product descriptions will be used. These posters will also be in the stores with display cases," said Sasaki.
The federal government, meanwhile, will be responsible for packaging.
"It is anticipated that all cannabis products will be in sealed, tamper-proof packaging that will have producer identification, production and tracking numbers, Universal Product Codes as well as the THC content of the cannabis," said Sasaki.
The GNWT says store staff will be trained appropriately and will be knowledgeable about cannabis products and how to use them safely.
The GNWT released its proposed framework for the legalization of cannabis in the NWT on Nov. 24. The federal government plans to legalize the substance across Canada in July.
