Moose Jaw awaits details as it prepares for pot legalization

The City of Moose Jaw is not rushing any decision when it comes to pot legislation.

As part of the province’s retail plans, it will receive licenses for two cannabis shops.

But communities are being given the right to opt-out and that is something Moose Jaw might consider doing.

Although at this point, with so little known about the Saskatchewan government’s approach to cannabis legalization, the mayor said it is too early to tell.

“What we’re being asked is what our opinions are on something that we don’t really have all the details of and I really don’t like making decisions on that,” Mayor Fraser Tolmie said by telephone Monday.

Tolmie expects there will be a robust debate in council when more details are revealed and extending those discussions to residents as well.

“How does it impact local communities and what are the pros and cons to it so that it can be implemented because we are the ones (whose) boots to the ground here that have to deal with it,” Tolmie maintained.

It is the communities that will have to deal with the financial implications for police and the equipment officers will need. There are bureaucratic considerations for the city in terms of the bylaws, zoning and licensing.

Tolmie hopes the province allows for an open dialogue before these issues are addressed.

“We have to be informed in the process and it would be really good to speak into the process as well. I know there are opportunities to do that but right now it feels like a moving target for you,” Tolmie said.