Cannabis for recreational use became legal in Canada on October 17, 2018 and I have many thoughts since. For example, why was it not legalized on 20th April? Do you realize how dope that would have been? (Pun intended).
Jokes aside (wait, I didn’t agree to that), I feel like most of my peers (and perhaps some of my family) think I moved to Canada because I anticipated this legalization. How Tru-deau (HA!) He’s on my speed dial so I totally knew.
Speaking of, Trudeau said in an interview that the whole purpose of pushing the legalization of cannabis (and successfully) was to control usage by teenagers, and help stop funneling money into criminal organisations. So the Government would control sales, while “illegal” stores were shut down or are being shut down as we read this.
“We have a war on drugs that isn’t working. We’re funneling billions of dollars into criminal organizations and gangs. We’re having kids access pot easier than they access alcohol. We need to realize prohibition just isn’t working.”
How Canada’s new pot laws will impact youth remains ambiguous by Mitch Potter – Toronto Star
Now, I am not very familiar with the cannabis rules other than it is legal. This brings me to the whole pros and cons bit. The topic of legal cannabis is a sensitive one across the board. And rightly so. We don’t know what journey a person has been through. Maybe the use of cannabis illegally led to someone’s life going off track due to arrest records. On the other paw, we know of cases where medical marijuana has helped cases of epilepsy and cancer; and recreationally with the ability to focus, overcome anxiety and get a better sleep cycle.
But do we want it to become a clutch? Just like other drugs?
Which helps me transition to my next point – is marijuana a drug? I mean, technically we grow it, harvest it and either smoke it or extract oils from it. So if we look at the process, it is technically a herb. That’s why it’s so easily available as well. I mean, in general, it doesn’t take much effort compared to a cocaine or ecstasy. Its best competitor could be a highlighter.
Again, this is all coming from ignorance and very little research.
I do know, on a serious note, the meticulous process behind growing cannabis. But you’re growing it! Granted there’s other tedious processes depending on what you’re looking to consume it for, it still starts with growing a plant and not knowing a chemical formula. In the beginning. You probably need that formula later when you’re making the actual medicine. See, I didn’t do my research so you tell me!
Regardless, it has become a huge booming industry not just in Canada but in North America. Legalization has given opportunities for new businesses and therefore for more employment. According to the Cannabis Business Plan, “the industry could be worth somewhere between C$4.9bn and C$8.7bn annually after 2020.” Furthermore, the industry’s employment has nearly quadrupled in the past year.
I am neither advocating for nor against the use of cannabis. I am just here to have a small “quick thought” on the one year legalization anniversary. Remember, edibles and cannabis induced drinks are going to be legally available soon. Not too sure how you feel about that, but I am pretty sure an alcoholic and a stoner walked into a bar, and we’re living that story now. Peace.
THE IDLE MIND 