Municipalities need more information about cannabis legalization if they’re going to be able to prepare for the new laws, says Orillia’s mayor.
Steve Clarke expressed his concern during Tuesday’s Orillia Police Services Board meeting.
“We’re lacking the provincial legislation,” he said.
While online cannabis sales will become legal Oct. 17, it will not be available through private retail operations until April. That isn’t a lot of time, Clarke said.
“The sooner we can get the legislation, the better.”
He said municipalities, for planning purposes, need to know key information such as who can sell and how many retail operations will be permitted in town.
“We want to be sure we have enough time to plan,” he said. “Ensuring the safety of the neighbourhoods is of primary concern.”
Meanwhile, police have been ramping up education about cannabis use and the upcoming act during visits to high schools.
Officers have been presenting to both students and teachers.
“Rumours and false information are out there. We want to make sure students and teachers have information about the legislation,” said Insp. Veronica Eaton, Orillia OPP commander. “It’s also important to educate people about using drugs and driving a vehicle. It’s still impairment.”
Police are doing the best they can to prepare for the legislation in the absence of some specific details. Eaton said local police are “as ready as we can be” and are taking part in continued training on issues such as drug-impaired driving and field sobriety testing.
“Whether I agree with the legislation or not, it’s my job to make sure that we enforce that legislation and educate people on that legislation so if they choose to (use cannabis), they do it safely and legally,” she said.