Recreational marijuana legal here in Canada as of tomorrow

[kimblebee]

FTR, I’m a grumpy old bat who disdains the use of any substance for the express purpose of intoxication or getting high. And unlike a nice glass of wine or cold beer that can be enjoyed in moderation, does anybody really choke back that disgusting-smelling skunk weed recreationally for any reason other than to get a buzz?


Legalization is federal but they have left regulation and enforcement to the provinces and municipalities. Here it will not be legal to consume pot anywhere that it currently isn’t legal to consume alcohol AND smoke cigarettes. Since smoking isn’t allowed in bars or restaurants and alcohol is not allowed to be randomly consumed outdoors, that basically leaves nowhere but in your own home or yard to consume it. Renters will be bound by whatever rules landlords put in place.

I guess we’ll see. Recent polls of users show the vast majority say it will all depend on price. The current proposed government-regulated price (the minimum that can be charged by the licensed retail outlets) is apparently $10/gram + tax. Knowing nothing about marijuana procurement, I have no idea if that’s good deal or not.

As a few people have said, some use it for pain relief or to help with appetite. I imagine that edibles and creams get the job done too.

I think your fear is overtaking you and it really shouldn’t. I get not wanting to smell weed while people are smoking it outside but I guarantee that most people would rather smell weed being smoked than a cigarette (me included).

 

[NFLDERS]

View attachment 358937

You owe me a keyboard cleaning, OK, I'll settle for another cup'a... Tim Horton's only though 'cause I'm that special!

 

[TheConsciousness]

I see no issue with it. If our country's greatest minds are using it, it can't be that bad right?

 

[ronandannette]

As a few people have said, some use it for pain relief or to help with appetite. I imagine that edibles and creams get the job done too.

I think your fear is overtaking you and it really shouldn’t. I get not wanting to smell weed while people are smoking it outside but I guarantee that most people would rather smell weed being smoked than a cigarette (me included).

You know that’s not what I’m talking about at all. My post specifically said recreationally. I’ve got no issue with the medical use of marijuana - none. I do find it very odd that the legislation has not legalized the sale and use of edibles and I’ll never understand why there aren’t more medical-grade CBD products available.

And seriously, I’m afraid of nothing in this situation, nor did my post imply anything of the kind. Uptight by your standards maybe, but not afraid. I already live in close proximity to pot smokers and their conduct annoys me. I already have loved ones who are addicts and it breaks my heart. As others have mentioned I already work for a company with a strict drug and alcohol policy. I really don’t see how my life changed at all at midnight last night.

That said, I make no bones about the fact that I hold to biblical morality and being drunk or high on anything falls outside those boundaries. Law or no law, I’m still free to have that opinion, at least until I’m cooerced to sign some sort of “thought-police” declaration to the contrary.

 

[NFLDERS]

I don't do it myself, but I don't have a problem with others doing it, and I'd rather it was regulated. That being said, after Canada goes legal it's going to be a tense time for those of us in the US who live near the border. MI has a proposal on the ballot to legalize coming up this Nov., but even if it passes it'll take some time to implement. Those intervening months where legal stuff is just a bridge away will be...interesting.

Here in Niagara. Niagara Falls, Ontario's mayor is way beyond excited about the cross border visits increasing. They are expecting a waterfall in revenue.

 

[ronandannette]

Here in Niagara. Niagara Falls, Ontario's mayor is way beyond excited about the cross border visits increasing. They are expecting a waterfall in revenue.

One thing I’m wondering though is that I’ve heard a lot over the past while about border-crossing. There have been many media reports about US officials being able to deny entry to Canadians who admit to smoking pot and that individuals who admit to being employed in the (now legal) industry may not be eligible for entry into the US at all. Do any American DIS’ers have any insight into this?

 

[NFLDERS]

As a few people have said, some use it for pain relief or to help with appetite. I imagine that edibles and creams get the job done too.

I think your fear is overtaking you and it really shouldn’t. I get not wanting to smell weed while people are smoking it outside but I guarantee that most people would rather smell weed being smoked than a cigarette (me included).

We need a pepe le pew emoji.

https://goo.gl/images/J6aczk

 

[LongLiveRafiki]

I guarantee that most people would rather smell weed being smoked than a cigarette (me included).

That's your opinion, and respectfully, far from something you can guarantee. Marijuana smoke has a rather potent smell, and there are plenty of people who detest the smell... funny enough, many pot smokers that I know included.

 

[ronandannette]

That's your opinion, and respectfully, far from something you can guarantee. Marijuana smoke has a rather potent smell, and there are plenty of people who detest the smell... funny enough, many pot smokers that I know included.

Yeah, I think the word “most” in that sentence is inaccurate, similar to the pp upthread that made the absurd assertion that people drive better while high.

 

[NFLDERS]

One thing I’m wondering though is that I’ve heard a lot over the past while about border-crossing. There have been many media reports about US officials being able to deny entry to Canadians who admit to smoking pot and that individuals who admit to being employed in the (now legal) industry may not be eligible for entry into the US at all. Do any American DIS’ers have any insight into this?

On a news question and answer program here, a lawyer advised one to declare the right to not answer. because the consequences may be worse if answered incorrectly.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

I can't speak for Canadian laws as I'm an American, but for me, the biggest reason I advocate for legalization are the draconian laws here surrounding marijuana.

People being locked up for extensive amounts of time for non-violent marijuana related crimes have ruined far more lives than the drug has itself.

I know there are inherent dangers of marijuana, especially when talking about underage users and driving. Same could be said for caffeine, but that's another topic. But those dangers are nothing in comparison to what can happen in certain states if you are found with even a minor amount of marijuana.

The most dangerous part about pot is being caught with it. There's my issue. I'm more for decriminalization. Throwing someone in a cage for smoking pot does nothing to help that person, costs the tax payers billions, and could potentially ruin the life of said individual.

Funny part, I haven't used marijuana regularly in years. Yeah I'll hit a joint if I'm at a party or concert, but for the most part I don't really enjoy it anymore.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

I find it interesting that the most accurate and even-handed facts /most damning information comes from someone who's in favor of legalization!

I try to approach things from a realistic point of view as nothing is ever black and white.

But, just because, let's debate.....

Other facts I'd add:
- It's impossible to ignore the fact that crime and violence are connected to drugs. We can say marijuana is a "soft drug" and it's "like alcohol", but I'm not aware of people shooting each other over whiskey in dark allies.

Well that is because you don't need to obtain whiskey in a back alley. Look into the alcohol prohibition in the 20's and see what people did for alcohol when it was illegal. It was the reason the FBI was created!!

Furthermore, I've been around more drug addicts than I'd like to admit and have never heard of people shooting each other in back alleys over weed. Crack, meth, heroin, yeah. Weed? No. Not saying it hasn't happened, but this sounds more like stuff out of Reefer Madness than actual reality.

- Even if a person isn't addicted to a given drug, it can still ruin his life (or other people's lives). Don't we all know a couple adults who live in their parents' basement and do nothing but play video games and smoke dope? Drugs can kill motivation ...

Well maybe, maybe not. In my experience, that cousin we all have that lives in moms basement and smokes weed all day is likely going to be a lazy person with or without weed. But nothing is 100% and I'm sure the pot doesn't help the situation.

and drug convictions can prevent people from getting jobs.

This to me is more reason for legalization.

Don't we all know someone who's wrecked a car while high? I know a family who were ALL badly injured /lives changed forever because they were hit by an unlicensed 15-year old driving high.

I actually don't, but I agree with your sentiment.

While a test sounds like a great idea, I can't imagine many people would actually bother to get a test before trying it for the first time ... so is it useful in the real world?

Test for what?

I don't know much about this, but I know we had a student at our school who had this disease -- or is it a condition? He was a HOT MESS, and I'm pretty sure he's in a mental institution now. Even if this possibility is remote, it seems like MUCH too big a risk to me.

Are you implying marijuana had anything to do with his institutionalization?

Uh, no one is "forced" to buy marijuana. Furthermore, you're talking about minors; sure, too many of them are using it, but that doesn't mean we should open a door for them.

Right, which is why age restrictions are a must. Anyone who think a 14 year old should be able to legally buy weed is off their rocker.

 

[cabanafrau]

I can't speak for Canadian laws as I'm an American, but for me, the biggest reason I advocate for legalization are the draconian laws here surrounding marijuana.

People being locked up for extensive amounts of time for non-violent marijuana related crimes have ruined far more lives than the drug has itself.

I know there are inherent dangers of marijuana, especially when talking about underage users and driving. Same could be said for caffeine, but that's another topic. But those dangers are nothing in comparison to what can happen in certain states if you are found with even a minor amount of marijuana.

The most dangerous part about pot is being caught with it. There's my issue. I'm more for decriminalization. Throwing someone in a cage for smoking pot does nothing to help that person, costs the tax payers billions, and could potentially ruin the life of said individual.

Funny part, I haven't used marijuana regularly in years. Yeah I'll hit a joint if I'm at a party or concert, but for the most part I don't really enjoy it anymore.

You seem fond of dismissing many other opinions as sounding like "something out of reefer madness". Your idea that people are routinely being "thrown in cages" today simply for smoking pot is laughable. In over ten years at my job I have yet to see anyone incarcerated simply for smoking pot. The simple reality of today is courts do not have a realistic option to incarcerate for something as mundane as smoking pot -- the resources to do so are simply not there. Violent felons are being returned to the streets because our corrections systems are so strained.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Medical usage to me is separate than recreational usage.

Unfortunately (or fortunately IDK how to look at it) I'm very sensitive to the smell of weed. I get headaches very quickly. Cigarette smoke irritates my allergies but it takes far longer to affect me than weed does. TBH I would rather smell cigarette smoke over weed (this is removing health reasons out of the equation).

I know the state next to me has on the Nov ballot for medical usage. If my state legalizes it it will probably be a while. We've seen how much $$$ CO rakes in but I also live in a state that had prohibition long before the rest of the country. A big win for us is next year we're about to be able to buy more than 3.2% in grocery stores (right now only the liquor stores have more than 3.2%)

Tiny bit of experience--driving in CO there was a distinctive smell on the highways of weed all of us smelled it. Also went to Vegas right when it became legal and you couldn't walk anywhere without the smell of it. Inside the casinos cigarette smoke prevailed but outside weed smell prevailed. Both of those of course may be completely moot in terms of experiences due to how the provinces and whatnot prohibit usage.

 

[cabanafrau]

Medical usage to me is separate than recreational usage.

Unfortunately (or fortunately IDK how to look at it) I'm very sensitive to the smell of weed. I get headaches very quickly. Cigarette smoke irritates my allergies but it takes far longer to affect me than weed does. TBH I would rather smell cigarette smoke over weed (this is removing health reasons out of the equation).

I know the state next to me has on the Nov ballot for medical usage. If my state legalizes it it will probably be a while. We've seen how much $$$ CO rakes in but I also live in a state that had prohibition long before the rest of the country. A big win for us is next year we're about to be able to buy more than 3.2% in grocery stores (right now only the liquor stores have more than 3.2%)

Tiny bit of experience--driving in CO there was a distinctive smell on the highways of weed all of us smelled it. Also went to Vegas right when it became legal and you couldn't walk anywhere without the smell of it. Inside the casinos cigarette smoke prevailed but outside weed smell prevailed. Both of those of course may be completely moot in terms of experiences due to how the provinces and whatnot prohibit usage.

Casinos are hyper vigilant about enforcing a no MJ policy. Casino licenses are a federal matter. MJ is prohibited by federal law. I believe casinos have banned all vaping because of this issue as well. The casinos are not going to tolerate a threat to their license, period.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Casinos are hyper vigilant about enforcing a no MJ policy. Casino licenses are a federal matter. MJ is prohibited by federal law. I believe casinos have banned all vaping because of this issue as well. The casinos are not going to tolerate a threat to their license, period.

Makes sense. I have really enjoyed Vegas the 2 times I've been and we're itching to go back but man oh man does it take a beating on my system because of my allergies and certain sensitivities lol.

 

[cabanafrau]

Makes sense. I have really enjoyed Vegas the 2 times I've been and we're itching to go back but man oh man does it take a beating on my system because of my allergies and certain sensitivities lol.

We haven't been back since they legalized marijuana. I do check in on a Vegas travel forum now and again to try and keep up with some of the changes in case we do plan a trip. Cigarette smoke is frequently a migraine trigger for me, so I'm pretty attentive to any news along these lines. I found I had little to no issue in the casinos in Vegas because most of the newer ones do a pretty good job at exchanging the air in their ventilation system. From what I've read from many long-time, frequent visitors whose information I find reliable, they report little to no change on this front, with only a very occasional occurrence out on the strip itself. I have heard about casinos booting people for smoking weed or vaping on premises.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

You seem fond of dismissing many other opinions as sounding like "something out of reefer madness".

Because a lot of these opinions are based on no real facts or evidence. A lot of opinions are based on common misconceptions or flat out falsehoods, a lot of which come from reefer madness. Have you ever seen the film or know what it is I am referring to?

If you disagree with me, please by all means dispute me.

Your idea that people are routinely being "thrown in cages" today simply for smoking pot is laughable.

Over 46% of incarcerations are due to drug offenses. (https://www.bop.gov/about/statistics/statistics_inmate_offenses.jsp) That's almost half of all people in prison. That's more than murders, sex offenses, weapons offenses, and burgulary combined.
52% of which were for marijuana (https://www.aclu.org/gallery/marijuana-arrests-numbers). And we are not talking drug kingpins either.

Yes, this seems laughable.

In over ten years at my job I have yet to see anyone incarcerated simply for smoking pot. The simple reality of today is courts do not have a realistic option to incarcerate for something as mundane as smoking pot -- the resources to do so are simply not there. Violent felons are being returned to the streets because our corrections systems are so strained.

In 10 years of both being in rehab and assisting with rehabilitations both mandatory and voluntary, I'll say we must live in VERY different demographics.

 

[cabanafrau]

Because a lot of these opinions are based on no real facts or evidence. A lot of opinions are based on common misconceptions or flat out falsehoods, a lot of which come from reefer madness. Have you ever seen the film or know what it is I am referring to?

If you disagree with me, please by all means dispute me.



Over 46% of incarcerations are due to drug offenses. (https://www.bop.gov/about/statistics/statistics_inmate_offenses.jsp) That's almost half of all people in prison. That's more than murders, sex offenses, weapons offenses, and burgulary combined.
52% of which were for marijuana (https://www.aclu.org/gallery/marijuana-arrests-numbers). And we are not talking drug kingpins either.

Yes, this seems laughable.



In 10 years of both being in rehab and assisting with rehabilitations both mandatory and voluntary, I'll say we must live in VERY different demographics.

First of all, you quoted me yet one of my statements is incorrectly attributed to another poster. That's not okay. They shouldn't be involved with what I said.

You seriously think I questioned your dismissive attitude without knowing what Reefer Madness refers to? It's not like there's a secret handshake necessary to be let in on the top secret info.

A 52% statistic regarding incarcerations "being for marijuana" is meaningless to someone who knows A) how the statistics game is played and B) knows that the statement in and of itself is deceptive.

Once again, I'll stand on what I said and what I've seen -- corrections systems are far too strained to PER YOUR EXACT WORDS, "throwing someone in a cage for smoking pot". There's always another element (or five) to the crimes that results in incarceration. People ARE NOT being "thrown in cages" SIMPLY for smoking pot.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We haven't been back since they legalized marijuana. I do check in on a Vegas travel forum now and again to try and keep up with some of the changes in case we do plan a trip. Cigarette smoke is frequently a migraine trigger for me, so I'm pretty attentive to any news along these lines. I found I had little to no issue in the casinos in Vegas because most of the newer ones do a pretty good job at exchanging the air in their ventilation system. From what I've read from many long-time, frequent visitors whose information I find reliable, they report little to no change on this front, with only a very occasional occurrence out on the strip itself. I have heard about casinos booting people for smoking weed or vaping on premises.

I think they do do a pretty good job but I still was blowing/sneezing out black icky stuff and my body hated me when I came back which is normal when I come back from a place where my allergens were triggered--sorry if that was TMI lol.

I think how it affects one is going to differ from person to person. My allergies make it so I'm affected completely differently than my husband. Did he like smelling cigarette smoke? Nope, neither did my mom but because neither one of them has allergies it didn't affect their sinuses like it did me.

But to that point I had a similar yet not the same severity of issues when I was in NYC last December. There I think the issue was overall pollution more or less from mass transit especially the subway.

I'm glad though that you didn't find much issues the last time you went. I'm not sure if I can say I've ever had a migraine (if I did it had to have been minor for me not to remember it) but knowing people who have had them it's no joke. Typically I get sinus headaches that last for weeks but they aren't the same as migraines.