Police chiefs raise concerns about marijuana timeline

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Some police chiefs are raising serious concerns about the Trudeau government’s newly revealed timeline for legalizing marijuana.

News 1130 is hearing the new legislation will be tabled in the week of April 10th, while lighting up for recreational use will reportedly be made legal in July next year.

Mike Serr, Deputy Chief with the Abbotsford Police, says his colleagues across the country have several concerns about the plan so far.

“I certainly think it’s an aggressive timeline.”

He’s not sure whether police will be able to approve an adequate roadside test system for drug impaired driving before pot will be made legal.

“We haven’t identified one yet that we’re satisfied with, there’s a couple products out there that are showing good results but more testing certainly needs to be done.

“Will we have all the tools in place? I’m not sure we will. But I can say we’ll be on the path to getting what we need in place as soon as we can.”

He’s also worried about public safety and enforcement issues if people are allowed to grow plants at home.

Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord says there are many details of the new legislation that will need to be clarified.

“How many plants you’re allowed to grow, where you’re allowed to grow them and who can grow them and who has the production licences…There’s a tonne of work that needs to be done in the next year, year and a half.”

The Justice Minister is not confirming the leaked details but says the drug will be strictly regulated to keep it out of the hands of children, and to halt the profits for organized crime.

 

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