Yesterday the Saskatchewan government released its framework for the coming legalization of marijuana, and the opposition NDP have concerns about the new legislation.

What they do agree on, as Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer said in a scrum yesterday afternoon, is that 19 is the legal age of consumption, as it aligns with alcohol and is the same or near (in the case of Alberta) as neighbouring provinces for cannabis.

Sarauer was critical it took so long for the province to release the framework, saying prospective business owners have been frustrated.

Retail will be done privately in Saskatchewan, and one worry for Sarauer is a financial stress for businesses that want to apply for a retail permit.

"We don't know all the details of what that's going to look like yet. It seems largely subjective, saying that prospective businesses have to be subject to a financial stress test prior to qualifying to enter into that lottery system - could potentially exclude, and I've heard has excluded in other provinces, what would be considered ... smaller businesses, local businesses in particular, which we think should absolutely be highlighted and be given the opportunity to set up businesses, might get excluded as a result of this."

Sarauer also called it "silly" this legislation wasn't included in the budget, which will come out April 10, because of the implications marijuana legalization will have in terms of expenditures and revenue.

Another provision Sarauer brought up was one that requires someone who purchases pot to only transport it in the car if they are going directly home (not making any pitstops along the way). She wondered how, and who that would be monitored.

Stay tuned to Swift Current Online, as we'll have more from the Saskatchewan Party this afternoon.