Marijuana is In!
October 17, 2018 will forever mark the historical day, Marijuana became legal in Canada. Canadian leader, Prime Minister Justine Trudeau, ran on the platform of legalizing marijuana. Many believe that promise sealed his success. Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, was passed June 20, 2018.
Emotions are high (no pun intended) on the topic of legalization. Having spent many years in the entertainment and child welfare industries, I am of the opinion, marijuana is the least of dalliances that should stir concern. I have witnessed all manner of professionals: presidents, vice presidents, directors, supervisors, social workers, computer geniuses, managers, government officials, actors, dancers, bartenders, secretaries, CEOs, familiar with "smoking." It took me a while to grasp the reality that when asked if I smoked, my old brand of Benson and Hedges 100s was not to what they referred. I also have grown immune to the surprise of who asks the question. Today, not even a nun offering a toke would solicit a blink. I would simply say, "No thank you, Sister."
Please, don't think me prudish. I experienced a period of sampling which proved the pungent scent of cannabis more nauseating than beneficial - for me. With that said, I have witnessed too many anxious, tense, unhappy, people in pain become calm, relaxed, smiling, pain-free, individuals to think ill of the drug. And, no, cannabis was not their gateway to more serious drugs - most of the time.
When MJ's medicinal properties became known then legalized via the MMAR (Marijuana for Medical Access Regulations) in 2001, I celebrated with those in need. Now, that the legalization of recreational use is here, again, in support of those who benefit, I say "'Bout Time." If we can sell toxic, chemical filled tobacco, we can sell pure, natural versions with medicinal benefits and otherwise.
Let's be honest, those who "use," are doing so, already. The rest of us are simply naive or oblivious to the explosive number of folks partaking.
For those afraid legalization will cause large problems, I argue, legalization will make non users safer.
Take, for instance, the fear of people driving stoned. Due to legalization, there are officers specially trained to detect impairment; there are specialized tests for detecting drug levels. Tools we did not utilize before October 17th.
Legalization, means more diligent tests, trained professionals, better research and "cures" for suffers.
But, before you think you can stroll down the streets "smoking a dubie" (I might be dating myself), here is a brief look at the Federal Legislation which runs similar to Drinking and Smoke Free Laws (excluding cities or towns that chose to opt out):
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Users must be a minimum of 19 years of age (in Alberta and Quebec it's 18).
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Cannabis cannot be used near a school or areas children gather.
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Users must be 9 meters from hospital exit or entrances, bars and patios (Manitoba allows 8 meters). And 20 meters from publicly owned surfaces like parks, playgrounds or arenas (some provinces restrict use to private residences, so provincial websites should be checked for details).
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"Smoking" is prohibited at transit terminals and bus shelters, in moving cars or boats.
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Individuals may grow a maximum of four plants per household (Manitoba and Quebec proposed a ban on this right so check your provincial rules).
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And an individual may carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis on their person.
As for purchasing, availability varies per province. Ontarians, for example, can only legally purchase cannabis online. That's right, from the government run website: ontariocannabis.com. Storefronts remain illegal, at least until April 2019. One should check provincial websites for information.
The legalization of Cannabis makes Canada the only country in the the G7 that has lifted MJ prohibition on a national level. Folks dub this act, "one of the most dramatic societal shifts in history." For this fact, many people have invested millions into this enterprise, and many more have invested what they can in what could be biggest stock market explosion since the internet and all that has come with it. Toting a possible 22.9 billion dollar industry. Putting that number into perspective, 22.9 billion doubles the projected value of wine sales in Canada, into 2019.
These numbers in mind, it would be great to see the benefits of this monumental shift trickle down to the average person. If government stands to do well, both in sales and taxes, and founders as well as investors will profit from this industry, it would be in everybody's interest if additionally "the little guy/gal" gained in some fashion; even experience financial security.
With that said, let's keep in mind, young people should NOT be using marijuana; of legal age or not of legal age. Scientific evidence has become clear that the young brain continues to develop well into the late (some say mid) twenties. We really want our young people aware of the damage that can be done to their brain. Particularly, if there is a family history of mental illness. This is very serious.
Also, Canadians, if traveling to the U.S. is important to you, do not take MJ to states where it is illegal! It will not be worth it.
You could be banned from the U.S. for life. Tell the truth to border guards or reserve the right to refrain from answering their questions. Just be prepared for detainment or to be sent back home. They can do it. It is their Federal law.
As with alcohol, be smart, be safe, be responsible.