Cannabis users still believe restrictions unjust compared to alcohol's controls Despite legalization on the horizon, organizers of the annual Vancouver 4/20 cannabis rally say there's little reason to end their battle to free the weed. Last week, the federal government tabled long-awaited legislation to legalize recreational cannabis, promising a "strict legal framework" for the production, sale, distribution and possession of pot starting July 2018. But after decades of protesting to legalize it, B.C. cannabis advocates argue the framework proposed will give rise to yet more dissent. [continues 553 words]
4/20 rally organizers vow to maintain their fight to free the weed Despite legalization on the horizon, organizers of the annual Vancouver 4/20 cannabis rally say there's little reason to end their battle to free the weed. Last week, the federal government tabled long-awaited legislation to legalize recreational cannabis, promising a "strict legal framework" for the production, sale, distribution and possession of pot starting July 2018. But after decades of protesting to legalize it, B.C. cannabis advocates argue the framework proposed will give rise to more dissent. [continues 541 words]
A small group of marijuana supporters rallied outside Vancouver City Hall on Monday as the deadline approaches for applications to the city's new regime of pot dispensaries. Darcy Delainey, owner of Erbachay Health Centre on Granville Street, knows his storefront is still too close to a nearby school. There are also multiple dispensaries near his location - which the new regulations will prohibit - but Delainey feels it's still worth a shot to apply. The official deadline is Aug. 21. "We're the only (dispensary) with a highway between us - everybody else is actually closer to the school," he said. [continues 182 words]
Stanley Cup riot hero says he'll burn award from police after Cannabis Day arrest A man arrested at a Vancouver pot protest on Canada Day is vowing to burn an award he received for heroism during the Stanley Cup riot. Vancouver police honoured Bert Easterbrook in 2013 with a certificate of merit - the highest award for civilian bravery - for stopping rioters from flipping over a truck two years earlier. Easterbrook and two others were charged Wednesday with obstruction after trying to stop police from arresting a man for trafficking at the annual Cannabis Day event. [continues 415 words]
Council's Public Hearing Will Get Wide Spectrum of Opinion on Marijuana Dispensaries The fate of Vancouver's 90-plus pot dispensaries will be the subject of a contentious debate Wednesday as city hall hosts a public hearing on their potential regulation.. So far, 87 speakers have signed up for a marathon hearing that will pit those in favour of implementing rules, business licences and zoning requirements for "marijuana-related businesses" against those who want them left alone, on one hand, or shuttered entirely, on the other. [continues 1277 words]
The public will have a say in the city's proposal to regulate the growing number of marijuana dispensaries in Vancouver after city council decided Tuesday to send the issue to public hearing. The move, which is unprecedented by a Canadian municipal government, came after city manager Penny Ballem outlined a series of regulations to ensure the city has some control over the 85 pot shops. Regulations call for an annual $30,000 licence fee for dispensary operators, criminal record checks and keeping pot shops 300 metres from schools and community centres. [continues 951 words]
Ottawa Tells City to Enforce the Law; Pot Activists Vow to Fight City's Regulation Effort Vancouver found itself facing a fight on two fronts Tuesday in its efforts to regulate and license marijuana shops. On one hand, the federal government increased its opposition to the city's plans and expressly told the Vancouver Police Department it should enforce Canada's drug laws. On the other, pot activists vowed to fight if the proposed city conditions come into effect. The proposals include $30,000 licensing fees and closing shops near schools and community centres, while allowing them in most commercial districts. [continues 639 words]
Questions about how proposed bylaw amendments targeting e-cigarettes will impact marijuana users delayed a Vancouver City Council vote on the topic - with politicians still debating at press time Wednesday night. In Wednesday's planning, transportation and environment meeting, members of council heard from the public on recommended bylaw amendments that would prohibit smoking or "vapourizing" e-cigarettes in places where smoking tobacco cigarettes is disallowed, as well as prohibiting sale to minors, and display and advertising. Dana Larsen, marijuana advocate and director of SensibleBC, spoke at the meeting, saying the bylaw amendments as they are currently worded inadvertently apply to medical marijuana as well, thus would impact "a patient who's walking down the street and feel they might be having an epileptic seizure." [continues 165 words]
Many Islanders Interested in Using Drug for Relief of Medical Conditions Calling it the Freedom Tour, a group of more than 20 Islanders gathered in Charlottetown recently to call for the legalization of marijuana. Many were interested in using the drug for relief of medical conditions, a process that is permitted in Canada provided the user complies with a daunting application and usage protocol, the meeting was told. Trevor Leclerc, candidate for the leadership of the NDP on P.E.I., is HIV-positive and takes pharmaceutical, prescribed drugs to stave off AIDS. [continues 850 words]
Vancouverite advocates for drug legalization, regulation From 2006 to 2008, Neil Magnuson in-line skated some 5,000 kilometres across Canada to raise awareness about what he sees as an attack on Canadians' freedom - laws prohibiting the possession and/or use of drugs, especially marijuana. This year the Vancouver man is taking a similar message on the road - only this time he's eschewing the considerable logistical and physical stress of doing it under his own steam for something most would find a bit more realistic for his 55-year-old body. [continues 426 words]
Police To Continue Permissive Approach To Pot During Games In The Home Of B.C. Bud VANCOUVER - That sweet scent in the air during next month's Olympic Games might be the smell of success. Then again, it could just be the weed. It will be far from business as usual for much of Vancouver during the Olympics, but marijuana advocates and police say the city's laissez-faire attitude towards the infamous B.C. bud won't change. "Our officers show an exceptional amount of discretion with respect to people smoking marijuana and that will continue," said Const. Lindsey Houghton, a spokeswoman for the Vancouver Police Department. [continues 450 words]
VANCOUVER -- That sweet scent in the air during next month's Olympic Games might be the smell of success. Then again, it could just be the weed. It will be far from business as usual for much of Vancouver during the Olympics, but marijuana advocates and police say the city's laissez faire attitude toward the infamous B.C. bud won't change. "Our officers show an exceptional amount of discretion with respect to people smoking marijuana and that will continue," said Const. Lindsey Houghton, a spokesperson for the Vancouver Police Department. [continues 571 words]
Self described rights activist Neil Magnuson is trekking across Canada on a pair of in-line skates to warn people about what he says are the detrimental effects of drug prohibition. And while he's mainly focused on marijuana, Vancouver based-Magnuson says he's talking about all illegal drugs. According to the 51 year old, Drug prohibition increases demand for the product, and makes it seem more glamorous and alluring to danger seeking young people. " it also creates and fuels organized crime groups that put us all at risk" he said. "The prohibition just doesn't work-it never has worked and it can't work" [continues 295 words]
Neil Magnuson is once again making his way across Canada to raise awareness about the dangers of drug prohibition, particularly marijuana. "Prohibition to drugs has been a complete disaster. It didn't work with alcohol and it's not working with these other substances as well," said Magnuson. The Freedom Tour rolled into Regina on Monday evening and is to leave the city today. Magnuson errected signs by Tory campaign signs to let people know about his opposition to the current government's proposed legislation on mandatory minimum sentences. [continues 541 words]
Legalizing The Use Of Marijuana Will Be An Election Issue If Proponents Across Canada Listen To Neil Magnuson. In Lethbridge as part of the "2008 Freedom Tour" on Thursday, the long-time activist said three of the four national parties have spoken out in favour of decriminalizing the recreational drug. For the Green Party, he said, it's one of the key issues. "If Elizabeth May is allowed to take part in the debate, she'll talk about it." May, the party's leader, is battling the reigning Conservatives' efforts to keep her out of the televised debates. Magnuson, in Alberta as part of the movement's annual trek to the House of Commons in Ottawa, said he'll be urging legalization advocates to take full part in the upcoming election. [continues 338 words]
Pro-Pot Protest At City Hall Sparks Awareness And Debate Protesters gathered down at City Hall yesterday, drawing honks from passing cars in support of their popular cause: the reefer. As part of his third annual Freedom Tour, Vancouver's Neil Magnuson will be roller-blading 1,000 miles to Ottawa to raise awareness for what he feels is an injustice to our freedoms. "I think adults deserve the respect to make their own choices," said Magnuson. His supporters from Calgary 420 also came out, brandishing signs featuring marijuana leaves and messages like "don't fear the reefer." [continues 109 words]
One B.C. man is using roller skating as a creative way to seek change. Neil Magnuson is skating across Canada to raise awareness about the prohibition of cannabis and stopped in Moose Jaw on the weekend. Magnuson started in Vancouver in July. He is making his way across the country to Ottawa. In Ottawa, Magnuson will be speaking on Remembrance Day about his cause. On his way, he will be stopping in different towns to talk to the people about cannabis. [continues 136 words]
When he thinks of how his forefathers took bullets for our freedoms, Neil Magnuson can't believe what a slap in the face it must be for those soldiers today. "Freedom to obey is not what they went to war to take bullets for," said the 50-year-old activist from Vancouver, who is currently in Vernon. Magnuson stands behind and speaks for a number of issues, but there is one issue which he feels strongest about. One which inspired him to quit his job three years ago and travel the country spreading his message. [continues 475 words]
If you saw a man rollerblading through the Cowichan Valley late last week following a vehicle sporting a huge flag and sign, you were seeing the first leg of a cross-Canada trek that won't finish until Remembrance Day. It's a long haul for the rollerblader Neil Magnuson and his driver, Bert Easterbrook, but both men say it's worth it to get across their point. They're concerned that government, particularly in Ottawa, is beginning to look upon itself as Canada's moral arbiter, even though no one elected politicians to fulfill that role. [continues 299 words]
Cannabis is a plant. Indoor gardens are not always dangerous but drug prohibition does put our children at risk. The demonization and attempted prohibition of some drugs in our society is causing far more harm than the abuse of the drugs themselves. The harms include stigmatizing and criminalizing large numbers of otherwise law-abiding citizens, wasting enormous amounts of scarce tax dollars, creating an increased demand, and allowing a black market to handle the supply while making enormous profits and endangering innocent people in wars over "turf." [continues 157 words]
Magnuson, Neil
