Mayor Gerald Aalbers says the City is well prepared for the legalization of pot as a new date has been set.
Global News reports that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Wednesday that October 17 will be the day cannabis officially becomes legal in Canada. Aalbers says he appreciates the federal government setting a date.
“That I think has been the question that’s been raised in council chambers numerous times by Council. I believe administration has helped Council get this City well position to deal with cannabis.”
On Tuesday, federal legislation on how weed will be rolled out passed in the Senate with a 52-29 vote. In Lloydminster, bylaws are already in place and will take into effect in October.
“Someone that has a cannabis licence from the Government of Alberta as an example or Saskatchewan can have their store, they can get everything ready but they will not actually be able to open the door I believe until the morning of October 17.”
Aalbers says that there are still a few pieces that need to be worked out in terms of enforcement.
“We don’t know if there’s a device yet that will be able to be available for the detection of being under the influence of cannabis, but we hope soon that the RCMP and federal government bring something forward so that we know where we’re at.”
The original date for cannabis was set for July 1, however, due to delays the date was pushed back.