Page 46 - January2019Spectrum_Neat

Members Speak Out

QUESTION: With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, according to new regulations laid out by
the province, Ontario could see hundreds of cannabis stores open in April.
The Progressive Conservatives scrapped the previous Liberal government’s plan for a provincial monopoly on Cannabis
stores and have decided instead to allow for a private system with stores set to open on April. 1. There is no limit to how
many shops the province will allow. We could see hundreds if not thousands come April. What are your thoughts on this?
Should it have been done differently?

My personal views are that I don’t like I’m not for or against legalized cannabis. I the hundreds or thousands, but if they can’t
any drugs, however the reasons given do believe it has to be privatized and easily make money, they will adjust to what the
by Ontario that suggest legalization will accessible to be able to have an effect on the market requires.
control the black market and make it safe is illegal cannabis black market. If one person
absolute rubbish. Since when has legalizing (the government) owns all the cannabis The government should not be in the
ANYTHING controlled the black market? stores, like any other business, it does not business of regulation! Therefore, I am
They don’t abide by the law anyway. work for the consumer. Proven time and time generally satisfied with the PC approach.
again, people in government or politicians David Timlock, P.Eng., President, GSC
It felt like it was more of a tax grab on are usually not great businessmen. Let Collaborative Structures Limited
something that seems to show no evidence entrepreneurs open and run the stores and
to be any worse than smoking. The fact let the government clip their coupons. They The government’s function is to enforce
that it’s now on the streets will just mean are good at that. I think once the stores are existing laws and regulations and maintain
no one has any idea on the original supply open and the novelty wears off, they will be public safety, period. The government
chain (white or black market). How is that like any other store. should never be involved in any commercial
making it safer? Of course there is now a tax Shawn Messenger, Partner/Owner enterprise. Since the government has
attached to the white market stuff - no that AMJ Campbell Van Lines decided to legalize cannabis, regardless
can’t be it at all! It’s like living in the Muppet of whether you agree with this decision
Show. I am personally supportive of a non- or not, now that it’s been legalized, the
Ashley Griffin, Network Specialist/Manager provincial monopoly. market will decide how many stores it can
GRIFFCOMM accommodate.
Just like wine brewing from 25 years ago, Steve Mantione
shops may spring up everywhere, maybe in Freedom 55 Financial

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Winter 2019