On 2018-10-17 8:55 PM, Michael OConnor wrote:
> When they see the money that Canada brings in from pot, the US
> government will look at legalizing also just from a tax revenue
> standpoint and to remove the black market from the picture. It is
> already legal in nine states for recreational use (and three more are
> voting on it next month) and a number of likely 2020 Presidential
> candidates plan to make it legal if elected. I saw a poll on TV
> today which said 60 percent of the American public favors legalizing
> it. My guess is it will be legal across the US if not by 2021 then
> by 2025 at the very latest.
>

It's not like everyone here is thrilled about it. Despite decades of
research on pot use, suggestions to decriminalize, the use of medical
marijuana and recreational use, there are still a lot of issues to be
worked out. Most towns and most urban neighbourhoods do not want
marijuana retail outlets .... NIMBY.

There are issues about production. I live in a rural area with a number
of greenhouses and a lot of Dutchmen who are getting into the business.
We have 7 licensed grow ops in town and the people living downwind are
really upset about the smell. We have municipal elections next week and
there is big pressure put the kibosh on plans for any new ones.

Then there is the issue of where to smoke it. Most condos and apartment
buildings want their buildings to be pot smoke free. The province and
many municipal governments already have restrictions on smoking tobacco
in public places.

Anyone serving alcohol in Ontario has to get Smart Serve certification
and the training teaches about the law and legal liability concerning
serving people who are intoxicated. They are trained in how much people
can be served without getting loaded, but now they will have to deal
with the effects of the combination of the booze they are drinking and
the pot they might be smoking if they slip outside for a toke.


I am glad that people won't be going to jail for simple possession, but
it's not like decriminalization is without its problems.