The news broke last night that the Senate has given approval to Canada's plan to legalize cannabis - and that has our local Member of Parliament concerned.

Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski wasn't surprised by the decision, saying the Senate voiced their concerns and tried to get the Liberals to change the bill, but when their suggestions were rejected the Senate simply stepped out of the way.

"They have rushed to get a bill passed because they made a commitment initially that cannabis would be legal by July 1. Well we know now that's not possible, but they're trying to rush and get it done by fall. I still think that was a very foolish attempt by the government to rush legislation that needed a lot more examination."

Lukiwski believes there just isn't time to get all of the legal items smoothed out before stores start selling cannabis later this year.

"Most of the police forces across Canada were dead set against the timing of this legalization initiative, because they wanted to make sure that they were prepared for road side impairment tests, whether or not they would have the ability technologically to be able to test someone who may be impaired by cannabis use."

"Recent examinations of other jurisdictions have shown that the black market has not only increased but has flourished so I don't think the measures that the Liberal government is attempting to pass will have any impact on the ability of the black market to continue to operate in Canada."

Many groups who support legalization, however, suggest it will allow them to have safer, regulated access to cannabis instead of buying it from back alleys.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Wednesday during Question Period in the House of Commons that marijuana would be legal in Canada as of October 17.

Trudeau says the delay in legalization will allow provinces and territories more time to plan and implement their rules and regulations.