Laws are made for a reason
To the Editor,
During a public hearing at city hall regarding licensing and bylaw amendments for retail sale of medicinal marijuana, I asked council whether this was legal under current Canadian legislation. It is not!
Drug laws under federal jurisdiction are not amendable by municipal governments. Some city councillors disregard this and are considering issuing licenses to illicit businesses which are operating despite being unlicensed.
If unchallenged, RCMP credibility might be questioned for the lack of enforcement.
The expectation of Port Alberni citizens is that the RCMP and city councillors would uphold Canadian law.
Proponents on this issue appeared to be well prepared as I heard much polished, flowery rhetoric about the humanitarian need for marijuana for everything from headache to severe cancer pain.
Admittedly there may be need for marijuana use in authentic cases, but let’s not be fooled. There wouldn’t be a store to be seen if these “humanitarian” clinics didn’t involve money. The number and speed with which these stores appeared indicates a strong belief that there is money to be made.
Common sense dictates the more product you send out the door, for whatever purpose, the more money you make.
By operating illegally, proponents have proven they are quite prepared to break the law.
Laws protect Canadians and bring order to society. Given that political promises don’t always become reality and may not in this case either, the correct process should be to wait until the new law is drafted and then to review regulations and implementation.
Truly medicinal marijuana should be distributed through regulated pharmacies which already have secure premises and quality control.
I realize there are difficult decisions to be made. We had better get this right since there will be consequences in this decision for council, the RCMP, and our community.
Fred Mann,
Port Alberni
Chamber’s a great organization
To the Editor,
As one of the winners of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce “Try Home First Program” I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the chamber of cCommerce and participating merchants for the amazing gift certificate package. Port Alberni offers some great shopping and I look forward to visiting your places of business soon!
My husband and I also enjoyed a lovely dinner at Drinkwaters Social House as guests of the chamber of commerce at their dinner meeting on Jan. 27.
The Alberni Valley seems well represented by a diverse group of business people who care about our community.
Elane Gray,
Port Alberni
