Earlier tonight, VICE Canada hosted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and MP Bill Blair for a town hall to raise some questions and concerns about the Liberal government's plans to legalize the recreational production, distribution, and use of marijuana. In addition to reaffirming his government's commitment to the public safety of children, here are the five big takeaways from the event where Trudeau took questions from VICE senior writer Manisha Krishnan and Head of Content Patrick McGuire, industry insiders, and people caught up in the current criminal court system.
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1. There are no plans to fight the opioid crisis by legalizing or decriminalizing more drugs
Trudeau replied that his government would not do this, saying that they only got a mandate to legalize marijuana. He also acknowledged that although "we need to do more," the Liberals were softening the policies of the Harper administration with regards to prescription heroin and safe injection sites. Bill Blair also voiced his perspective that "the evidence does not necessarily show that [mass] decriminalization works," and that the government should instead focus on providing treatment, rehabilitation, and front-line services.The prime minister said the government needs to do more on the file but avoided making any promises.
2. Pardons won't be happening anytime soon
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3. The medical marijuana regime will stay the same
4. There will be room for smaller players…but Big Weed will rule
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