Yukon Party, NDP Raise Concerns Over Marijuana Use Framework

Tuesday, 21 November 2017 10:41

Parties have issues from taxation to renters using.

WHITEHORSE-The opposition were quick to point out flaws in the government’s proposed framework on the legalization of cannabis. During a Ministerial Statement response Monday, Yukon Party Justice Critic Brad Cathers (Lake Laberge) said the framework was thin on details and left questions unanswered. “What we see here is the announcement of a framework that is very short on details and leaves a lot of unanswered questions. I think it’s important to walk through just a few of the many unanswered questions here today.”

Cathers told the Legislature his concerns. “We have still not seen details from the government about how they intend to tax or markup these products in the Yukon. If the goal is to end the black market, will the tax be low enough to compete with prices on the black market, or will it simply make law enforcement’s job harder by making it harder to identify illegal marijuana versus legal marijuana?” “The government has not explained yet where its supply will come from. In saying that they will develop a government-led distribution system in which government has the sole authority to import, warehouse, transport and distribute recreational cannabis, the first question that comes to mind is: How? Unfortunately, we see very few details in the announcement here today. Has the government come up with a plan for where it will store it, how it will manage it and how it will distribute and transport it? What will the laws be around the consumption and enforcement of those laws?”

Under the proposed framework, Yukoners over the age of 19 will be able to purchase up to 30 grams of dried marijuana, at a yet-to-be determined retail location, which will be separate from buying alcohol. There will be a lone brick and mortar store, most likely in Whitehorse and the territorial government will establish an e-commerce website for online buying. Yukoners will be able to grow up to four plants per household. Renters will need landlord’s permission to smoke within their dwelling, a concern for NDP leader Liz Hanson. (Whitehorse Centre) “The government plans to restrict recreational consumption of cannabis to privately owned residents. This raises many questions for landlords and tenants alike. The minister will need to strike the right balance between the rights of tenants and of landlords.” “People who use cannabis for medical reasons also need to be considered in this process. We would not want to see a situation where patients are not allowed to take medication they need because they live in a rental unit. As far as the eventual role that private distributors can play, we think the government is making a responsible choice by taking the time needed to develop appropriate regulations.”

Justice Minister Tracy McPhee (Riverdale South) acknowledged the many unanswered questions, but pledged the government was working to find solutions. “All the questions that were asked are certainly questions that we’ve been asking ourselves and that the amazing team of people who are working on this issue have been asking themselves on a daily — if not daily and nightly — basis.” The Yukon is expected to table their legislation next spring, in anticipation of a federal law on legal marijuana use by July.

(Dan Jones Nov. 20, 2017)