Canada's proposed overhaul of federal impaired-driving rules could unfairly criminalize medical-cannabis users, according to an open letter to Ottawa signed by more than 50 criminal-defence lawyers. The letter, which warns that medical-marijuana users could be unfairly punished under the proposed system, underscores the challenges to preventing high driving. Experts are divided on just how much THC - the principal psychoactive compound of cannabis - would make someone impaired, and the government is still developing a reliable way to conduct a roadside test. [continues 599 words]
Legalizing marijuana could mean people more people will grow pot, which may hurt real estate sales, say city and national realty officials. The looming federal legislation to legalize cannabis use states people can grow up to four plants at home. But each pot plant can grow to more than two metres and yield four crops a year, posing a risk of water and mold damage inside a home, said Costa Poulopoulos, a London realtor who is director of the Ontario region for the Canadian Real Estate Association and a board member of the Ontario Real Estate Association. [continues 639 words]
When marijuana becomes a legal consumer good on July 1, 2018, it will be taxed. But how much it will be taxed, who will share in the spoils and to what degree are all points of contention. Here's what the federal government has proposed: An excise tax of $1 a gram on purchases of less than $10, and a 10-per-cent tax on purchases above $10. The tax would be applied equally to recreational and medical marijuana. The revenue raised from the excise tax would be split 50/50 between Ottawa and the provinces. In addition, marijuana sales will be subject to the federal and provincial sales taxes - GST, PST, QST, HST, depending on jurisdiction. [continues 638 words]
Alberta's NDP government has no position on decriminalizing hard drugs but is open to the conversation around the issue, associate health minister Brandy Payne said Monday. As Ottawa moves toward legalizing recreational cannabis next year, recently elected federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has called for the decriminalization of personal possession of all drugs to help combat the escalating problems with opioids. Speaking to reporters, Payne said Alberta has not looked at the idea of decriminalization, noting that the designation of drugs as legal or illegal is a federal responsibility. [continues 483 words]
Doctors of B.C. is asking the provincial government to consider banning individuals from growing recreational pot at home when it becomes legal in July. The group was one of more than 130 stakeholders offering feedback to the B.C. government as part of its consultation on cannabis regulation and distribution. The variety of submissions points to the complex decisions government faces. Doctors of B.C. provided a list of "considerations" since there isn't enough evidence to make strong a recommendation, said president-elect Dr. Eric Cadesky. "There isn't a consensus amongst doctors. The feedback we got contained many different points of view." [continues 457 words]
$1 per gram plan revealed, but premier says provinces will carry an unfair burden OTTAWA- The federal government formally rolled out details Friday of its tax plan for legalized marijuana, proposing a combined federal-provincial excise tax capped at 10 per cent, or $1 per gram, with the revenue haul split equally with provinces. In documents that urge a "co-ordinated approach" between federal and provincial/territorial governments, Ottawa implicitly acknowledged that provinces could move to set excise taxes higher, but said that would fail to keep black market producers out. [continues 592 words]
Advocates say Ottawa's proposed excise levy will simply penalize the sick The federal government has angered proponents of medical cannabis and the opposition by announcing that its planned excise tax on recreational products will also apply to marijuana that is used to treat various illnesses. A large number of groups had been calling on Ottawa to remove the sales tax that is currently imposed on medical marijuana. Instead, they were shocked to learn on Friday that sales taxes will continue to apply on medical marijuana, but also that an excise tax of $1 a gram will be added on the product. [continues 885 words]
A discussion on medicinal marijuana, its uses and who is using it was the on the menu at the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs' weekly speakers series. Dr. Ife Abiola, medical director for the 420 Clinic, spoke on the drug and gave anecdotal information on many of the patents seen at the clinic. He said it is important for local residents to get informed on the drug ahead of impending national legalization. "This is going to be changing a lot of different facets of our lives," he said. "You can expect to be seeing whether it's through a medical clinic, dispensary or other people just using in a ubiquitous way in our lives. Everyone needs to have a certain level of education about this. " [continues 231 words]
The province should develop a licensing regime to allow for designated cannabis-consumption lounges when marijuana becomes legal next year, say Victoria councillors. "We're seeing a need for it in our community right now, as there are lounges that are operating illegally based on our regulations and current laws," said Coun. Jeremy Loveday. The recommendation will be part of a suite of suggestions the city will forward to the province for consideration as it crafts regulations governing the production, sale and use of marijuana, which the federal government plans to make legal by next summer. [continues 497 words]
Nova Scotians thinking that next July they'll be able to nip down to the corner pot shop whenever they want, might want to chill until they see the province's plan. Cannabis will be legal next summer, but the rules and regulations are yet to come and Nova Scotia, along with the other Atlantic Provinces, will create tightly controlled, strictly regulated environments. Last week, the province wrapped up its online survey asking Nova Scotian for opinions on a variety of questions about cannabis control and access. [continues 664 words]
Many Canadians can hardly wait for the day that the recreational use of marijuana becomes legal. As a doctor, I'm far less enthusiastic. I worry about two things: the experimental nature of marijuana in medical practice, and the public health consequences of legalized marijuana. Before you write me off as overly prudish or an anti-marijuana conservative, let me say that I'm not opposed to legalized marijuana in principle. I'm just paying attention to the evidence, or rather, the lack of it. My concern is that as marijuana becomes more easily available, Canadians may become more inclined to self-medicate with this drug. [continues 427 words]
Marijuana trafficking charges against three people involved in a downtown Saskatoon medical marijuana dispensary that was raided by city police two years ago have been dropped. Instead, the dispensary - the Saskatchewan Compassion Club - pleaded guilty to marijuana trafficking in Saskatoon provincial court on Thursday and agreed to pay a $6,500 fine plus a $1,950 surcharge. "Obviously, I'm relieved and pleased to have the process come to an end and to have justice ultimately served in the proper manner," said Compassion Club owner Mark Hauk. [continues 634 words]
MOONBEAM - The town has snuffed out a request to amend its business licensing bylaw in order to accommodate a medical marijuana dispensary within the municipality. Robert Neron, a long-time user and advocate of medical marijuana, made a presentation to town council Monday night, with the hopes of opening a marijuana dispensary in Moonbeam by the spring of 2018. Mayor Gilles Audet told The Daily Press there were several reasons behind council's decision to deny the request. The general feeling around the council table, Audet explained, was that Neron should be directing his request to a higher authority of government. [continues 243 words]
There's plenty of interest in selling legal pot in Manitoba. The province notes an expression of interest on the subject attracted more than 60 responses. Premier Brian Pallister said that bodes well for his government's goal to ensure official marijuana stores are accessible enough to undermine the black market. Pallister said the province aims to ensure access to marijuana sales within a 30-minute drive for 90% of Manitobans to meet that goal. "We wish to see broad coverage, broad availability," he said. [continues 204 words]
MANITOBA Premier Brian Pallister says he wants "the best of both worlds" by including both private and public sectors in the handling of legalized marijuana. Nevertheless, he was talking up the attractions of the private sector a lot more than the public Monday. The premier will release details of the government's request for proposals today. However, he repeated warnings Monday that gangs will not simply go away when cannabis becomes legal in Canada on July 1. The illegal gangs want to keep supplying the product that's been making them a lot of money, Pallister told reporters. "They know how to adapt. The competition isn't going to go away." [continues 334 words]
Lone province pot pusher is the Ont. gov't! The fix is in and it's only a matter of time until the city's marijuana dispensaries are forced out of business by the new pusher in town - the Ontario government. New legislation announced Nov. 1 by the province, as it prepares to open 150 marijuana stores run by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, includes massive fines and serious jail time for selling weed illegally once the federal government legalizes cannabis in 2018. [continues 767 words]
Vendors hope to inform and educate THOUSANDS of people streamed into Winnipeg's first-ever HempFest Cannabis Expo this weekend to listen to presentations by industry leaders and check out exhibits set up by cannabis and hemp businesses from around the country. More than 60 businesses tabled the expo, which was held Saturday and Sunday at the RBC Convention Centre. Organizers estimated that about 15 per cent of the businesses were Manitoba-based. "It's to give a platform for businesses to connect with people who are hungry for information. Maybe they're interested in medical cannabis and they don't know where to go or what to ask," event organizer Sacha Hockenhull said. [continues 752 words]
Years ago, when Justin Trudeau stepped onto a platform in a Vancouver park and proclaimed through a cloud of sweet-smelling haze that a federal Liberal government would legalize marijuana, there was much excitement within the cannabis community. With last week's announcement by Trudeau's provincial Liberal cousins, the realities of draconian regulation in Ontario have resulted in the crushing disappointment of those long-forgotten high hopes. For recreational users, smoking will only be permitted in private residences. Puffing at work, on university campuses, on patios, sidewalks or parks, will all remain prohibited. [continues 442 words]
Group against drunk driving says injuries, deaths due to driving high likely to increase after pot use is legalized in Canada next summer Crashes caused by drivers high on pot are likely to spike after the drug is legalized next summer, MADD Canada says. American states that have already approved the use of marijuana have seen sharp increases in fatal accidents in which a driver was impaired by the drug, MADD's western region manager for chapter services said Sunday. "That's certainly been the experience in Washington state and Colorado, and we will probably see an increase in deaths and injuries related to cannabis use here after it's legalized next July," Tracy Crawford said after a MADD-hosted candlelight vigil for victims of impaired driving. [continues 349 words]
Small pot shops know their days are numbered The fix is in and it's only a matter of time until the city's marijuana dispensaries are forced out of business by the new pusher in town - the Ontario government. New legislation unveiled last week - as the province prepares to open 150 marijuana stores run by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario - includes hefty fines and jail time for selling weed illegally once the federal government legalizes cannabis in July, 2018. [continues 556 words]
