Kenora MP Bob Nault says the legalization of marijuana is a long time coming.
Nault says the old system of complete prohibition wasn’t working, noting Canada was leading the world in illegal consumption rates among youth.
He adds the new rules will take pot out of the hand of criminals, who were making around $6-billion a year selling illegal cannabis.
Nault says they have strict monitoring, policies, and guidelines in place when it comes to criminal offences and selling weed to young people.
He adds the Canadian government will be closely monitoring black market activity when it comes to the sale of recreational marijuana.
After the first day of legalization, there are already reports of supply shortages in parts of the country.
Nault says they will be working with police agencies and giving them the resources they need to ensure everything is done legally.
Nault says it’s imperative that retailers maintain a competitive price for pot, so people don’t turn to the illegal trade for a cheaper product.
He adds over the next number of months they will be looking at the entire picture closely and will be quick to react with any needed changes.