Pubdate: Thu, 21 Apr 2016
Source: Moose Jaw Times-Herald (CN SN)
Copyright: 2016 The Moose Jaw Times-Herald Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2154
Author: Theresa Simon-Worobec

AN ARGUMENT FOR LEGALIZATION

Local Marijuana Advocates React To The Announce Of Now Pot Laws Next
Spring

It's the most wonderful time, literally, of the year for marijuana
users across Canada.

This year's 4/20 (April 20) is extra special for marijuana users
across country since federal Health Minister Jane Philpott announced
earlier in the day that the federal government plans to begin
marijuana legalization by next spring.

"I think it's about time," said Brent Bekter, owner and operator of
Watch Tower Glass at 420 High St. "I think if they do it with
etiquette and intelligence, it should work out for everyone."

Betker explained that by etiquette, he means using common sense when
it comes to when and how the plant and its derivatives will be used.

"As a parent, I don't think it would be a good idea that I'm standing
at a bus stop with my four-year-old and a guy is smoking. That's not
good etiquette. So I think as long as people have common sense, it can
be fine."

Local users and supporters celebrated the day at the Amphitheatre in
Crescent Park. The event was organized by local marijuana activist and
Saskatchewan Green Party candidate Shaun Drake, who is also a licensed
medical marijuana user.

When asked to share his thoughts on the plan to legalize next year, he
said, "My thoughts are that they should have done it many years ago."

Drake said he has been using marijuana for a number of
years.

"To me it's been legalized my whole life because I treated it like it
was. I don't see any really big thing with it. Alcohol is way worse."

Drake explained that he began using marijuana to treat depression
after trying a myriad of prescription medications, which he said
caused his condition to worsen.

"I used to take prescriptions to feel somewhat normal, and then the
prescriptions were troublesome. They have bad side effects. They have
warnings that I didn't know about until I experienced the effect of
them. I found myself worse off than when I started them to begin with.
Then I started treating it with marijuana and it's been a blessing
every since."

Drake shared Betker's stance when it came to teenagers and children
using the plant. He said they should be restricted from using
marijuana, just like alcohol, except when it comes to medicinal purposes.

"There's lot of medicinal uses," he said. "If your kids need it, you
should be able to give it to them. It's not a psychedelic experience
until it's heated."  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D