The phrase ‘regulate marijuana like alcohol’ has been very popular with campaigns this decade, and rightfully so. Marijuana is safer than alcohol, and so telling voters to support regulating marijuana like alcohol has resulted in a lot of traction in the minds of those voters. My home state, Oregon, is in the process of trying to regulate marijuana like alcohol, with the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) tasked with figuring out all of the rules, processes, and procedures it will take to achieve that objective.
Marijuana legalization in Canada seems to be inevitable after this year’s election. The question is no longer if, but when, and for that matter, how? How should marijuana be regulated in Canada? Should it be similar to how alcohol is regulated? That’s what some officials in Canada are calling for. Per Marijuana Business Daily:
As Canada’s new government struggles with how to implement marijuana legalization, at least a few public figures are urging officials to allow sales through the country’s tightly controlled liquor stores.
In the central Canadian province of Manitoba, the Liquor & Gaming Authority expects to serve as a marijuana regulator and is now preparing for that role, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.
In a Monday speech, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said the liquor authority “will be well positioned to regulate the sale and distribution of marijuana in a safe and socially responsible manner.”
I’m not from Canada, so I don’t know if alcohol regulators up there are fair to deal with. I know where I live, there were a lot of reservations about the OLCC being in charge of recreational marijuana regulation because the agency doesn’t exactly have the best image and track record. What do you think TWB readers, especially those in Canada? Would this be a good move for Canada? If not, what would be a better option, and why?
