NB Government Looking into Growth Opportunities in Marijuana Legalization
FREDERICTON–The provincial government is preparing for the anticipated federal legalization of marijuana by establishing an interdepartmental working group to gather information on how this will affect the province and what can be done to take advantage of the legalization.
This working group, led by representatives from the Department of Public Safety and NB Liquor, will examine the health and social ramifications as well as the economic benefits.
The group also includes representation from the departments of Health, Social Development, Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, and Finance as well as the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Opportunities NB.
“The work that has been completed and the meetings already held by the working group have helped us gain a great deal of perspective on the marijuana industry in Canada as well as the United States,” said Stephen Horsman, minister of justice as well as minister of public safety.
“The information collected has covered several aspects of marijuana legalization, including enforcement, regulation, taxation and distribution, which will help us make informed decisions on how best to move forward in a safe and responsible manner.”
The group is looking to places such as Colorado and Washington State for evidence of economic benefits and potential problems in preparation of legalization. They have also consulted policing agencies and recreational and medicinal growing operations such as Canada’s National Medical Marijuana Association, owners of Green Shop, a Colorado area retail grow-op and senior staff at Zenabis, a medical marijuana company with a facility in Atholville.
“…there are economic and tax benefits to legalizing marijuana that can help pay for important things such as health care, education, social services and infrastructure,” Horsman said. “Once the federal government moves forward on legalization, we will be ready from a provincial standpoint with a focus on public safety.”