What Doug Ford must know is that a large section of cannabis consumers are not down with supporting government weed. More bluntly put, the “white market.” When people witnessed the post-legalization feeding frenzy by corporate Canada, members of various governments and high-ranking lawmakers, they were repelled.

Many of these elites vilified and jailed cannabis consumers, while the wealthiest and most connected few in the white market made out like bandits.

So now it’s OK for the cattle to graze in government pot pens while incurring even harsher penalties if they reject the status quo — this is prohibition 2.0.

Not sharing the opportunities that legalization brings with citizens who meet the appropriate criteria limits choice and diminishes the tax revenue that governments salivate for. Wake up and smell the hypocrisy.

Richard Kadziewicz, Scarborough

I work in the legal cannabis industry, focused on women’s health, and believe the government is making a big mistake by not allowing wellness products — such as vape pens and topical cannabis products — in the first wave of legalization. I am also a medical cannabis patient, and these products are crucial in treating my illnesses.

Topical creams are often the most effective for treating my pain, inflammation and irritation, and can be used throughout the day with no psychological effects. For insomnia, my vaporizer has been life-changing. It is safer and more convenient than other ways of smoking.

It has been disheartening to see so many wellness aids left out of the huge step forward of legalization.

Kyla Killackey, Toronto

The current plan is to sell cannabis through LCBO outlets. Initially, they plan to start with 40 outlets. There are nearly 100 communities in Ontario with a population of more than 10,000 people. (For comparison, there are approximately 900 LCBO outlets in Ontario selling alcohol.)

Forty outlets is absurd. Does this mean that until they can provide an adequate number of outlets making access equal for all Ontarians that the black market will be legal? I look forward to seeing how Doug Ford the businessman deals with this impending disaster.

Michael Yaffe, Toronto

Unlike impaired driving tests for alcohol abuse where police can test subjects suspected of impaired driving at roadside using breathalyzers, gaze nystagmus testing and roadside sobriety tests, testing for marijuana abuse at impaired levels has not yet been perfected, placing the community at large in danger.

Legalizing marijuana before safeguards are in place to test whether drivers are impaired by it is failing to look before you leap.

Harry J. Sultz, Thornhill

As we approach this historic moment in Canadian law, Canadians should be aware of American immigration law that bars admission to the U.S. of anyone who has been found guilty of possession of marijuana or even admits to having used or possessed marijuana.

People should be cognizant of this when being questioned at a U.S. border point of entry. An affirmative response to a question about marijuana use or possession may prevent entry.

It is apparent that the Americans often do not seem to enforce that bar to entry.

Both Justin Trudeau and Stockwell Day have publicly admitted having smoked marijuana, yet they have had no problems going to the U.S.

Paul Copeland, lawyer, Toronto

Tragically Hip has something to sell, July 8

I don’t know which marijuana entrepreneurs are more disgusting — authoritarians like Julian Fantino, or the remains of the Tragically Hip monetizing Gord Downie.

Hypocrisy abounds.

No one needs to have their hard-earned dope budget eroded by corporate middlemen. Grow your own!