Government seeks input on cannabis legalization Yukoners are invited to participate in a public survey to identify their needs and values about the coming legalization of cannabis (marijuana). By Whitehorse Star on August 10, 2017

Yukoners are invited to participate in a public survey to identify their needs and values about the coming legalization of cannabis (marijuana).

The survey results will help inform the Yukon government as it creates new territorial legislation.

Cannabis will be legal across the country by July 2018.

It’s now up to the Yukon to make decisions about where and how it will be sold, where it can be consumed, and how to address the coming marijuana-impaired driving dangers and workplace safety.

The survey can be completed online or by phone at 1-866-527-8266.

A printed version is available at local territorial agent offices and at the main administration building in Whitehorse. The survey is open until Sept. 30.

“Yukoners’ views about the legalization of cannabis are needed,” Justice Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee said today.

“I encourage everyone to take the survey and provide us with their feedback, which will help inform the government about how our Yukon legislation should be developed.”

The Yukon government said its decisions will be guided by the following principles:

• Provide for legal, controlled access to cannabis that displaces illegal and criminal activity; and

• Prioritize public health, safety and harm reduction, with a focus on protecting youth from negative health effects.

The Yukon government will also engage in consultation with stakeholders. Those include First Nations, municipal governments, the business community and non-governmental associations.

“As our government creates new cannabis laws and regulations, our focus will be on public health and safety measures,” said Pauline Frost, the minister of Health and Social Services.

“It is important to gather Yukoners’ views and values about cannabis as we develop future health and prevention campaigns.”