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101 CN ON: Colby 'Neutral' On Cannabis StoreFri, 15 Dec 2017
Source:Chatham Daily News, The (CN ON) Author:Terfloth, Trevor Area:Ontario Lines:76 Added:12/18/2017

Medical officer of health expects regulations will evolve

Chatham-Kent's medical officer of health is remaining neutral on a provincially operated cannabis store slated to open next year.

However, Dr. David Colby admits he's intrigued by how it might play out in the communities that were announced as part of the first phase.

"It will be very interesting to see how society reacts to this," he told The Daily News on Thursday.

It was recently announced that Chatham-Kent will have a retail cannabis store by July of next year.

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102 CN ON: Bottoms Or Bongs Up?Mon, 18 Dec 2017
Source:Toronto Sun (CN ON) Author:Artuso, Antonella Area:Ontario Lines:82 Added:12/18/2017

Will weed be the new booze?

Will a culture so tied to alcohol switch allegiance once recreational cannabis is readily and legally available?

A recent study out of the University of Connecticut looked at alcohol sales in jurisdictions with medical marijuana, and found the two substances to be substitutes, with monthly booze sales falling 13%.

A 2016 Deloitte study predicted some alcohol consumers will migrate to legal recreational marijuana.

Dan Malleck, associate professor in Health Sciences at Brock University, said the U.S. study looked at medical marijuana, and the findings suggest that people are switching if they're using alcohol to self-medicate for conditions like stress.

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103CN AB: Alberta Looks To Colorado For Advice On Pot EducationMon, 18 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Author:Clancy, Clare Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/18/2017

Expect the unexpected.

That sage advice from Dan Rowland, director of public affairs for Denver, Col., comes after more than five years of experience dealing with the legalization of cannabis and its ripple effects.

"I think it's imperative that governments, whether it's the provincial level or the local level, set themselves up to be nimble and flexible," he said. "There's a ton of education that needs to happen.

"Even for savvy consumers, there's going to be a regulated marketplace for this, so they need to know what that means, as well."

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104 CN ON: Police Chief Larkin Reflects On 2017Mon, 18 Dec 2017
Source:Record, The (Kitchener, CN ON) Author:Monteiro, Liz Area:Ontario Lines:169 Added:12/18/2017

'A year of growth … year of finding our feet'

WATERLOO REGION - When police chief Bryan Larkin talks about harm reduction and being more humane with the drug user, he gets pushback.

When he suggests supervised injection sites may be an alternative to help users take their drugs safely and the site will save lives, he gets pushback.

And when he flies the Pride flag at police headquarters, he gets pushback. In each case, he gets criticism from people in the community and sometimes from officers, too.

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105 CN ON: CleanupMon, 18 Dec 2017
Source:Toronto Sun (CN ON) Author:Levy, Sue-Ann Area:Ontario Lines:92 Added:12/18/2017

Where have all the dirty needles gone? Mayor's efforts have made a difference

This past Thursday, on a wickedly cold afternoon, I combed the same Yonge-Dundas Sts.-area alleyways where dirty needles have proliferated, particularly since the opening of Toronto's first harm-reduction site.

While we saw plenty of drug paraphernalia buried in the snow - orange needle caps, blue gloves, water bottles used as bongs and even remnants of a Naloxone kit - we found no needles.

Perhaps the cold contributed to the fact that patrons of The Works on Victoria St. are not shooting up outside. However, Mayor John Tory's cleanup efforts appear to be working.

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106 CN ON: Public Grills Wynne At Brampton Town HallThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:Toronto Star (CN ON) Author:Ferguson, Rob Area:Ontario Lines:63 Added:12/17/2017

Is Ontario keeping too tight a lid on pot?

Premier Kathleen Wynne faced that question at a town hall meeting Wednesday night in Brampton, where about 250 citizens - some with anger in their voices - grilled her about high local auto-insurance rates, health care, workers' compensation, the Tarion new home warranty system, the rising minimum wage, the recent five-week community college strike and other issues.

"Can we not have the private sector?" one young man asked as the clock ticks down to the legalization of marijuana across Canada on July 1.

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107 CN ON: LTE: New Pot Law Will Fail In Its ObjectivesWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Toronto Star (CN ON) Author:Bowie, Guy Area:Ontario Lines:39 Added:12/17/2017

Re Legal pot set to cost $10 a gram, Dec. 12

It is clear that the legalization of marijuana will fail its stated objectives and we are on track for another costly boondoggle that will implicate the health and well-being of Canadian society for many years to come.

The stated objectives are to keep cannabis out of the hands of children and to keep profits out of the hands of organized crime. Legalization will achieve neither. Legalizing something legitimizes it. Children will now see marijuana as a safe legal product denied to them only due to their age.

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108 CN ON: Substance Use Among Ontario Students DownThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:Hamilton Spectator (CN ON) Author:Ubelacker, Sheryl Area:Ontario Lines:93 Added:12/17/2017

TORONTO - Ontario adolescents are drinking, smoking and using cannabis and other recreational drugs at the lowest rates since the late 1970s, suggests a biennial survey of Grade 7 to 12 students by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

But the 2017 survey released Thursday turned up a disturbing finding: almost one per cent of respondents in Grades 9 to 12 reported having taken illicit fentanyl in the previous year, raising a red flag given the opioid's involvement in hundreds of overdose deaths across the country.

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109Canada: Crown Abandons Appeal In Pot Seed CaseFri, 15 Dec 2017
Source:Province, The (CN BC) Author:Cotter, John Area:Canada Lines:Excerpt Added:12/17/2017

Federal service drops case involving cannabis activist whose charges were stayed last month

Federal prosecutors have decided to drop their appeal of a court ruling that dismissed charges against a prominent B.C. cannabis activist.

Dana Larsen was arrested in Calgary during a national tour to give away millions of marijuana seeds to the public.

On Monday, Larsen said in Vancouver that the Crown's appeal was to be heard July 2 in the Alberta Court of Appeal.

But after a review this week, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada said it is dropping the case.

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110Canada: Federal Crown Abandons Appeal In Case Against B.C. PotFri, 15 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:Cotter, John Area:Canada Lines:Excerpt Added:12/17/2017

The federal Crown has decided to drop its appeal of a ruling dismissing charges against a prominent cannabis activist who was arrested in Calgary during a national tour to give away millions of marijuana seeds to the public.

On Monday, Dana Larsen said he was served notice at his home in Vancouver and the case was to be heard July 2 in the Alberta Court of Appeal. But after a subsequent review this week, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada said it is dropping the case.

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111 CN NS: People Growing Their Own Pot Problematic For Police ChiefThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:Cape Breton Post (CN NS) Author:Sullivan, Nikki Area:Nova Scotia Lines:35 Added:12/17/2017

He may not be able to change it but that doesn't mean he has to like the new law allowing people to grow their own pot plants.

"Personal cultivation is something I personally really struggle with as a citizen, a parent and a police chief," Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Peter McIsaac said during the recent Police Commissioners meeting.

"It's a view shared pretty consistently in the policing community across the country."

When the Cannabis Act comes into effect in July 2018, Canadian adults will be allowed to grow four plants at home, up to a height of 100 cm. This is about waist high on an average adult.

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112 CN ON: Mayors In York Region Reject Legal Pot ShopsThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:Toronto Star (CN ON) Author:Martin, Simon Area:Ontario Lines:82 Added:12/17/2017

Politicians voice their concerns over 'little information' available, possible impact on community

A number of York Region mayors have come out against proposed marijuana stores in their municipalities.

East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson has joined regional colleagues Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti in speaking out against the possibility of a marijuana dispensary coming to the municipality.

"My concern at this point is there is so little information about what it would look like. What are rules and regulations?" Hackson said.

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113Canada: Research Lacking On Medical Pot: Doctors' GroupsThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:National Post (Canada) Author:Omand, Geordon Area:Canada Lines:Excerpt Added:12/17/2017

Drug may do more harm than good, say critics

VANCOUVER * There is little to no research to support the supposed benefits of medical cannabis, and what evidence exists suggests that using marijuana as medicine may do more harm than good, family doctors' associations across Canada are telling their members.

A trio of advisories prepared by the Alberta College of Family Physicians has been distributed to more than 32,000 clinicians, summarizing the scientific literature, or lack thereof, around medicinal marijuana.

"One thing that was quite consistent was adverse events," said Dr. Mike Allan, a professor of family medicine at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. "And the benefits, even if they're real, are much smaller than what people might anticipate."

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114CN SN: Mayor Wants Cities To Get Fair Share Of Pot TaxesThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:StarPhoenix, The (CN SN) Author:Tank, Phil Area:Saskatchewan Lines:Excerpt Added:12/17/2017

Clark says municipalities will have extra costs for policing, services

Mayor Charlie Clark says cities like Saskatoon will face the toughest financial challenges when marijuana is legalized in six months, and he wants to make sure sufficient resources exist.

Clark said he welcomed the news from the federal government this week that 75 per cent of the expected $400 million in revenue from taxes on marijuana will go to the provinces.

Now, Clark said he would like a clearer picture from the provincial government on how that will work in terms of funding the municipal response to legalized cannabis.

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115 CN NF: LTE: Mr. Trudeau, We're Just Not ReadyThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:Telegram, The (CN NF) Author:Power, Keihan Area:Newfoundland Lines:94 Added:12/17/2017

An argument against the legalization of marijuana

We should not let underground drug lords pressure us into legalizing something that could be quite harmful for our health.

During his election campaign, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to legalize marijuana if we chose him as our leader. That day is near, and marijuana might be legalized on Canada Day 2018. Such a decision should not be taken lightly. Our country is not ready for this change.

To clarify, I don't want to come across as cynical. I know that medical marijuana has its place in treating patients with chronic or terminal illness. I also don't agree with throwing people in jail for carrying small amounts for personal use. I see this as a waste of time, money and resources. At the same time, however, I don't think that the legalization of marijuana is what our country needs. And I certainly don't think it will make our country healthier, happier or safer. The decision to legalize marijuana has implications for health, society and our youth

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116 CN BC: Streetlights Top Pot Shops In City ComplaintsThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:Georgia Straight, The (CN BC) Author:Lupick, Travis Area:British Columbia Lines:81 Added:12/17/2017

Complaints about marijuana dispensaries have increased each year since the City of Vancouver implemented a licensing regimen in 2015. But even after three years of consecutive growth, the number remains relatively small.

In 2015, there were 30 complaints, according to data supplied by the city. Then 84 in 2016 and 112 in 2017 (up to December 6).

For comparison's sake, so far in 2017 the city has received 348 complaints about other business categories (excluding illegal housing suites and short-term rentals like those on Airbnb). Meanwhile, this year there have been 5,529 complaints about potholes and 7,734 about streetlight outages.

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117CN QU: OPED: Let's Not Delay New Bill On Impaired DrivingThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:Montreal Gazette (CN QU) Author:Gold, Marc Area:Quebec Lines:Excerpt Added:12/16/2017

While details deserve review, it's crucial not to wait for the legalization of cannabis, Marc Gold writes.

Bill C-46 would allow police to demand that a driver suspected of having a drug in their body provide a saliva sample.

Every holiday season, volunteers for Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) distribute red ribbons to remind us of the lives lost due to impaired driving. Look around over the next few weeks, and you'll find them on key chains, car antennas and pinned to jackets.

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118CN AB: Column: City's Marijuana Concerns Are All Smoke, MirrorsTue, 12 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:Breakenridge, Rob Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/16/2017

Certain cannabis crimes ... will vanish altogether, thus resulting in less enforcement.

The city's claims that cannabis legalization is going to be a big money loser for them should certainly not be taken with a grain of salt, but rather, a few kilos of it.

Or, to put it another way, what are they smoking down at city hall?

A council committee last week heard the details on administration's latest estimates around the cost of legalization: about $10 million or so a year, or about the equivalent of a one per cent increase in property taxes.

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119 CN ON: Column: Pot's Dirty Secret: It's A Money-Maker For GovernmentsWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Toronto Star (CN ON) Author:Walkom, Thomas Area:Ontario Lines:100 Added:12/16/2017

The legalization of marijuana promises to provide governments with a tidy little windfall. That's the dirty secret the country's finance ministers didn't want to talk about when they were cutting up the cash this week. But it's true.

To hear the provinces talk, you'd think legalized cannabis would be nothing but a drain on their revenues. They complain that the legal pot regime will be more costly to police than the current illegal one - - without exactly explaining why.

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120 CN MB: Column: Feigning Ignorance On Weed Windfall Won't Lead ToWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Author:Lett, Dan Area:Manitoba Lines:153 Added:12/16/2017

WHEN politicians talk about the arrival of legal cannabis, they make it sound like it's going to be more trouble than it's worth.

Oh, the worry. According to the narrative coming out of the federal and provincial capitals, legalizing pot is going to involve enormous costs with very little return, in terms of tax revenue.

There are expected to be increased costs for provinces and municipalities in the areas of law enforcement, public education, health care and addictions treatment at a time when governments of all levels are having trouble generating the revenues needed to sustain core services.

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121 CN PI: Province Mum On Pot PlansWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Journal-Pioneer, The (CN PI) Author:Wright, Teresa Area:Prince Edward Island Lines:85 Added:12/16/2017

Opposition Tories press for details on rollout of government-run cannabis stores

The province appears to be keeping details of its business plans for selling legal pot in P.E.I. close to its chest for the time being, promising more specifics in the coming months. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives pressed for more details on government's plans, announced last week, to sell legal cannabis in government-run, standalone stores operated by the P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission.

On Friday, Finance critic Darlene Compton questioned Finance Minister Allen Roach on what the start-up costs would be for these stores. She also wanted to know how many stores will open in P.E.I. and what the projected revenues will be for the province?

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122CN ON: LCBO Looking For Space In City To Set Up Recreational PotWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Windsor Star (CN ON) Author:Cross, Brian Area:Ontario Lines:Excerpt Added:12/16/2017

With the Ontario government passing legislation Tuesday that paves the way for the government-run sale of recreational marijuana starting in July, the search is on for a ready-to-go store in Windsor.

According to a City of Windsor staff report going to council Monday, the list of requirements for this store, run by an LCBO subsidiary, the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corp., include a standalone operation, apart from the LCBO's alcohol operations; 2,500 square feet of space at a location that's already properly zoned for retail; a location that's near to a Transit Windsor bus route; an existing space instead of new construction; and a location that's not located close to schools, addiction treatment centres, mental-health facilities and emergency shelters.

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123 Canada: 'Legitimate Concerns'Wed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Author:Kirkup, Kristy Area:Canada Lines:74 Added:12/16/2017

Indigenous leaders ask where they stand in legal marijuana plan

OTTAWA - Indigenous leaders looking at the prospect of legalized marijuana in Canada say they don't see a route to riches, but rather a serious risk that the black market in pot will set its sights on their vulnerable communities.

Isadore Day, the Ontario regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said Tuesday he fears for Indigenous community safety because the federal government is moving too quickly with its plans to legalize pot by July 2018.

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124 CN NS: Column: Problems With Pot Deadline LoomingThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:Truro Daily News (CN NS) Author:Demont, John Area:Nova Scotia Lines:114 Added:12/16/2017

It's enough to make you want to roll a big, fat one.

The province is attempting to have a regulatory framework in place prior to the legalization of marijuana on July 1.

Weekly, maybe daily, the confusion grows over what the brave new world of legalized weed will look like.

That, in my view, is perfectly understandable as the clock loudly ticks toward Ottawa's July 1, 2018, deadline for legalization of wacky tabacky.

The feds have said that the date is hard and fast. Our government is taking them on their word.

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125CN BC: Pot, Cigarette Smokers Could Face Same Rules: HorganWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Author:Meissner, Dirk Area:British Columbia Lines:Excerpt Added:12/16/2017

Marijuana smokers in British Columbia might have to abide by the same public smoking rules as tobacco users when cannabis becomes legal, Premier John Horgan said Tuesday.

Horgan said his government is still formulating its marijuana policy, but might follow the same provincial smoking laws and community-clean air bylaws that prohibit smoking near buildings or public spaces.

"Cigarette smokers can no longer smoke in public places," Horgan said in an interview.

"I think that may well be how we have to proceed with cannabis. We'll make a decision in the new year."

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126CN AB: Judge Acquits Officer Of Stealing Seized MarijuanaWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:Martin, Kevin Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/16/2017

Laziness, not criminal intent, was likely behind a city police officer's decision to take home seized drugs, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Provincial court Judge Jerry LeGrandeur said he had a reasonable doubt Const. Robert Cumming took home marijuana handed over to him by an undercover officer for his own personal use.

LeGrandeur said Cumming's conduct in placing the contraband in his garbage bin in the alley behind his house before retrieving it hours later supported the suspended officer's story.

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127 CN MB: Column: Mr. Big Ups Split On Weed TaxesTue, 12 Dec 2017
Source:Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Author:Bonokoski, Mark Area:Manitoba Lines:98 Added:12/16/2017

So, pot czar Justin Trudeau, realizing his actual street dealers were on the verge of a revolt, turned to his Mr. Big, Bill Morneau, and told him to divvy up a more saleable split of the profits from upcoming pot deals.

When profits are projected to be in the billions, honour among thieves, and we say "thieves" with all due respect, begins to lose its lustre.

After all, it will be the street dealers who will be taking on the majority of the risk, meaning all those premiers hypnotized by dollar signs who will have to set up their own turf, build their own drug outlets, collect the juice from the sales, and deal with law enforcement should the criminal element invade their space.

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128 CN AB: Column: High Time For ProvincesTue, 12 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Author:Bonokoski, Mark Area:Alberta Lines:100 Added:12/16/2017

Feds up profit split on pot deals

So, pot czar Justin Trudeau, realizing his actual street dealers were on the verge of a revolt, turned to his Mr. Big, Bill Morneau, and told him to divvy up a more saleable split of the profits from upcoming pot deals.

When profits are projected to be in the billions, honour among thieves, and we say "thieves" with all due respect, begins to lose its lustre.

After all, it will be the street dealers who will be taking on the majority of the risk, meaning all those premiers hypnotized by dollar signs who will have to set up their own turf, build their own drug outlets, collect the juice from the sales, and deal with law enforcement should the criminal element invade their space.

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129 CN ON: City To Get Pot StoreWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Expositor, The (CN ON) Author:Ball, Vincent Area:Ontario Lines:142 Added:12/16/2017

Brantford on list of 14 cities announced by the province

Brantford is getting a government-run marijuana store after all.

The city is on a list of 15 cities announced Tuesday by the government.

The stores will sell marijuana for recreational use.

Officials confirmed Tuesday that the city has been identified for the location of at least one cannabis retail store by next July, the same month the federal government plans to legalize cannabis. Brantford was not on a list announced in November of 14 cities chosen to host pot shops.

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130CN BC: Minister Warns Pot Will Not Be Big Money-MakerWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Province, The (CN BC) Author:Chan, Cheryl Area:British Columbia Lines:Excerpt Added:12/16/2017

The B.C. government says revenue from legalized marijuana isn't going to create the financial windfall many expected once the province's thriving but illicit industry moves out of the shadows and is taxed like tobacco.

On Tuesday, Finance Minister Carole James cautioned against expectations.

"There will be revenue coming in after the first couple of years, but I don't see it as a big money-maker for British Columbia," James said at an editorial board meeting with The Vancouver Sun and The Province.

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131Canada: Column: Politicians Can't Figure Out How To Not Ban Pot.Wed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:National Post (Canada) Author:Robson, John Area:Canada Lines:Excerpt Added:12/16/2017

Canadians never forget the old joke about a pachydermy conference where French scientists discuss elephants' love lives, the British praise and the Soviets denounce "Elephants and Empire," Americans imagine breeding bigger better elephants, and Canadians empty the room with "Elephants: federal or provincial responsibility." Then there's the one about why elephants are big, grey and wrinkly. A: Because if they were small green and crumbly they'd be marijuana, and ending futile patronizing prohibition would cause finance ministers to swoop in and squabble over "Gouging the user: federal or provincial responsibility."

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132 CN BC: LTE: Concerns Not AddressedWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Author:Sterzer, Helen Area:British Columbia Lines:42 Added:12/16/2017

Re: Legalization of marijuana

As the countdown continues to July, 2018 and the legalization of marijuana in Canada my concern for the future is not being addressed.

A popular method of raising money today appears to be suing current governments for perceived past wrongs committed by previous governments. The door this opens, for the countless numbers that have been prosecuted for pot infractions over the years, to sue federal and provincial governments could bankrupt this nation. Would it be possible or practical to include some form of "notwithstanding" clause in the laws currently being written for enactment that would preclude this scenario?

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133 CN NS: PUB LTE: Cannabis Prohibition Has Social ConsequencesThu, 14 Dec 2017
Source:News, The (New Glasgow, CN NS) Author:Couch, Herb Area:Nova Scotia Lines:35 Added:12/16/2017

To the editor,

Re: "Youth psychiatrist disappointed in Nova Scotia's marijuana age decision," Dec. 9.

Do "health officials" and "provincial and national health organizations" ever think about the social consequences and harms of cannabis prohibition?

They are so narrow-minded and seem to only think about the safety of a product. If it isn't 100 per cent safe in their minds, they think it should be illegal. If they had a chance, they would probably make everything illegal that humans do, except for using pharmaceutical drugs, of course.

Do they not understand that criminal records and jail sentences for young-adult cannabis users and growers are unhealthy?

Herb Couch

Nelson, B.C.

[end]

134CN PI: Editorial: Criminals To CapitalistsTue, 12 Dec 2017
Source:Guardian, The (CN PI)          Area:Prince Edward Island Lines:Excerpt Added:12/16/2017

It's funny how quickly a criminal enterprise can turn into a legitimate business opportunity. As a federal Conservative politician, even as late as 2015, Julian Fantino was opposed to the legalization of marijuana.

In 2004, he even compared weed to murder in an interview with the Toronto Sun, saying, "I guess we can legalize murder too and then we won't have a murder case. We can't go that way."

Now, he's partnered with former RCMP deputy commissioner Raf Souccar to open a medical marijuana business, Aleafia Total Health Network.

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135 CN NS: PUB LTE: There Are Other Ways Of Assessing HarmWed, 13 Dec 2017
Source:Truro Daily News (CN NS) Author:Couch, Herb Area:Nova Scotia Lines:36 Added:12/16/2017

To the editor:

Re: "Youth psychiatrist disappointed in Nova Scotia's marijuana age decision" (Dec. 9/17.)

Do "health officials" and "provincial and national health organizations" ever think about the social consequences and harms of cannabis prohibition?

They are so narrow-minded and seem to only think about the safety of a product. If it isn't 100 per cent safe in their minds, they think it should be illegal? If they had a chance, they would probably make everything illegal that humans do, except for using pharmaceutical drugs, of course.

Do they not understand that criminal records and jail sentences for young-adult cannabis users and growers are unhealthy?

Herb Couch,

Nelson, B.C.

[end]

136 CN ON: Doctors Call For No Tax On Medicinal MarijuanaTue, 12 Dec 2017
Source:Record, The (Kitchener, CN ON) Author:Kirkup, Kristy Area:Ontario Lines:47 Added:12/16/2017

Ottawa must withdraw its plan to charge tax on medicinal marijuana or risk having an adverse effect on patients, a group of more than 50 doctors warned Monday as the federal government hashed out a pot-tax revenue-sharing agreement with the provinces and territories.

The doctors, who describe themselves as a group of physicians who routinely prescribe marijuana to their patients, say applying a sales or excise tax to medicinal pot would impose a financial barrier for those who use the drug to manage their symptoms, compared to patients who take other medication.

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137 CN NS: Editorial: Planting The Seed Of OpportunismTue, 12 Dec 2017
Source:Truro Daily News (CN NS)          Area:Nova Scotia Lines:73 Added:12/16/2017

It's funny how quickly a criminal enterprise can turn into a legitimate business opportunity. As a federal Conservative politician, even as late as 2015, Julian Fantino was opposed to the legalization of marijuana.

In 2004, he even compared weed to murder in an interview with the Toronto Sun, saying, "I guess we can legalize murder too and then we won't have a murder case. We can't go that way." Now, he's partnered with former RCMP deputy commissioner Raf Souccar to open a medical marijuana business, Aleafia Total Health Network.

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138CN BC: Island Tops List Of Fatalities From Illicit-Drug OverdosesTue, 12 Dec 2017
Source:Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Author:Petrescu, Sarah Area:British Columbia Lines:Excerpt Added:12/16/2017

More than 1,208 people have died from illicit drug overdoses in B.C. this year, the coroners service reported Monday.

Victoria and Vancouver Island continue to be in the top townships and health areas for overdose deaths.

The latest death toll in the overdose crisis includes statistics to the end of October 2017. November and December numbers will not be released until the new year.

"These numbers show that this is still something on the rise," said Andy Watson of the B.C. Coroners Service. "We're cautiously optimistic [now] that we've seen two months with under 100 deaths, but November and December were the peaks of last year."

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139 CN ON: Manitoba Pushes For Whole Pot PieMon, 11 Dec 2017
Source:Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Author:Robertson, Dylan Area:Ontario Lines:106 Added:12/16/2017

OTTAWA - Manitoba will push the federal government to transfer all of the sin taxes collected from recreational marijuana into provincial coffers, the Free Press has learned.

"This is a federal policy, with a federal timeline, with provincial obligations and responsibilities," provincial Finance Minister Cameron Friesen said.

On Sunday evening, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau hosted his colleagues from the provinces and territories for a working dinner before a lengthy meeting today examining everything from pension reform to equalization payments.

It's the looming July 2018 deadline

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140 CN ON: 'I Am Tired Of Having To Go To Funerals'Tue, 12 Dec 2017
Source:Toronto Star (CN ON) Author:Mathieu, Emily Area:Ontario Lines:65 Added:12/16/2017

Fighting back tears, Olympia Lynn Trypis stood in the rotunda of city hall and begged for better services for drug users, to save her life and the lives of her friends.

"In the last two years I've lost three of my really close friends and I am tired of having to go to funerals and not celebrating more birthdays. These people were beautiful souls," said Trypis, 22, speaking to a crowd who had marched to city hall in memory of people lost to drug overdoses, or contaminated drugs.

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141 CN ON: Backers Give Injection Site Search Shot In ArmMon, 11 Dec 2017
Source:London Free Press (CN ON) Author:Sher, Jonathan Area:Ontario Lines:106 Added:12/16/2017

It'll be months before London finds out if it gets the go-ahead and funding for supervised drug injection sites, but it appears key players already are walking in unison to support the sites, but restrict where they can locate.

The area's medical officer of health, a key city planner and an advocate for the downtrodden all express some confidence there will be suitable sites sufficiently far from schools and other places frequented by children.

"I completely understand why the city and stakeholders would want to limit where it goes," said Chris Mackie, the head of public health in London and Middlesex County. "I definitely think it will be possible to find one or two locations that will work."

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142 CN MB: Homegrown Pot Ban 'Silly'Mon, 11 Dec 2017
Source:Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Author:Billeck, Scott Area:Manitoba Lines:74 Added:12/16/2017

Consumer advocacy group concerned marijuana treated differently than booze

A consumer choice advocacy group has condemned the Manitoba government's plan to ban homegrown marijuana when it becomes legal in the country next year.

David Clement, the North American affairs manager for the Consumer Choice Centre, an independent entity that aims to promote more choice and freedom for consumers, says the decision to ban the growing of pot in homes is "silly" questions why the ability

Clement said the reason the CCC has spoken out is two-fold.

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143 Canada: Hydroponics Companies Expecting A Flood Of Customers AfterMon, 11 Dec 2017
Source:Globe and Mail (Canada) Author:Rendell, Mark Area:Canada Lines:115 Added:12/16/2017

In October, marijuana industry heavy hitter Aurora Cannabis Inc. spent $3.85-million to acquire BC Northern Lights Enterprises Ltd., a Vancouver-based company that manufactures refrigerator-sized "grow boxes." The miniature nurseries, loaded up with high-powered lights, ventilation systems and hydroponics equipment, are designed to hold four to 18 marijuana plants and made specifically for the home-growing market.

BCNL, which has been around for nearly two decades, has been selling boxes to medical-marijuana users since limited home growing became legal in 2001 for patients with government-approved growing licences. With the federal government legalizing recreational cannabis use this coming summer, BCNL's chief executive officer, Tarren Wolfe, is expecting an avalanche of new customers. "I believe [the number of home growers] is at least going to double when the doors open," he said. That could mean tens of thousands of new hobby horticulturalists looking for an easy way to cultivate.

[continues 717 words]

144 Canada: Column: Which Party Will Pay For Pot Delay?Mon, 11 Dec 2017
Source:Globe and Mail (Canada) Author:Ibbitson, John Area:Canada Lines:98 Added:12/16/2017

You may think that you will be able to buy marijuana legally as of July 1. You should think again. Conservative senators are threatening to hold up passage of the two bills that would legalize cannabis consumption and toughen rules against abuse. Unless these senators yield, the bills are unlikely to become law in time for the Canada Day deadline.

"I think we have to do our job properly, and that means months," Conservative Senator Claude Carignan, the lead opposition critic on the legislation, said when asked in an interview how long he thought it would take the Senate to pass the bills. How many months?

[continues 603 words]

145 CN ON: Overall Substance Use Among Ontario Teens Has Gone DownFri, 15 Dec 2017
Source:Toronto Star (CN ON) Author:Ubelacker, Sheryl Area:Ontario Lines:69 Added:12/15/2017

Ontario adolescents are drinking, smoking and using cannabis and other recreational drugs at the lowest rates since the late 1970s, suggests a biennial survey of Grade 7 to 12 students by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

But the 2017 survey released Thursday turned up a disturbing finding: almost one per cent of respondents in Grades 9 to 12 reported having taken illicit fentanyl in the previous year, raising a red flag given the opioid's involvement in hundreds of overdose deaths across the country.

[continues 366 words]

146CN SN: Editorial: Keep Rules Tough On Cannabis MarketingFri, 15 Dec 2017
Source:Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)          Area:Saskatchewan Lines:Excerpt Added:12/15/2017

"You've come a long way, baby."

This is the famous slogan of the Virginia Slims brand - a long, slim cigarette marketed to women as a sign of the progress of feminism and freedom for their gender.

Society has also come a long way in its thinking around the marketing of products like tobacco, and campaigns that make it seem glamorous.

We have learned that slick marketing images that ran through previous decades did not just influence adults. The Marlboro Man and images like it captured the imagination of kids, romanticizing smoking for another generation.

[continues 351 words]

147 CN BC: LTE: Let's Have A Vote On PotFri, 15 Dec 2017
Source:Province, The (CN BC) Author:Cleghorn, John Area:British Columbia Lines:25 Added:12/15/2017

Marijuana is a social evil. Legalizing it will encourage naive people to use it. That, in turn, increases the number of potheads and the long list of problems they create.

The government should hold a referendum on marijuana so people of sense can confirm the need for penalties. It isn't harmless.

Regardless what the government does, don't be a dope. Don't use dope.

John Cleghorn, Sechelt

[end]

148 CN NS: Editor: They've Got High HopesFri, 15 Dec 2017
Source:Truro Daily News (CN NS)          Area:Nova Scotia Lines:68 Added:12/15/2017

The latest Corporate Research Associates (CRA) survey this week probably sent chills down the spines of finance ministers and premiers across Atlantic Canada. After returning home from Ottawa earlier in the week with a lucrative tax-sharing deal on the sale of legalized marijuana, visions of windfall revenues were quickly brought back to reality.

The CRA survey suggests that approximately 20 per cent of Atlantic Canadians plan to purchase pot once marijuana becomes legal July 1. That is about the same percentage that uses pot today - illegally.

[continues 415 words]

149 CN ON: PUB LTE: Dealing In ApologiesFri, 15 Dec 2017
Source:Record, The (Kitchener, CN ON) Author:Murphy, Joseph Area:Ontario Lines:32 Added:12/15/2017

Re: PM says sorry for decades of LGBTQ2 bigotry - Nov. 29

I'm convinced that there is now sufficient precedence set by the apologies and compensations to the LGBTQ2 communities and the First Nations communities that will allow a heartfelt apology and due compensation to the marijuana dealers and users community. Indeed, the dealers of marijuana deserve a greater consideration by the Canadian government in view of the fact that it intends to take over the control and distribution of marijuana throughout the Dominion thus depriving the said dealers of their livelihood.

On a note of self-interest, I must state that I, as a good and true capitalist, have profited as a dealer in marijuana on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Joseph Murphy

Kitchener

[end]

150Canada: Will Regulated Pot Industry Quash Illegal Deals Quickly?Sat, 09 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Author:Perkel, Colin Area:Canada Lines:Excerpt Added:12/14/2017

Colin Perkel writes the upcoming legalization of marijuana is unlikely to kill Canada's black market - right away, at least

TORONTO - From texting a local dealer to dropping into a neighbourhood dispensary or ordering online, Canada's black market for recreational marijuana has seen significant changes in recent years and, no doubt, will see more as the country hurtles toward a new world of legalization next summer.

What does seem clear, however, is that the illegal market is unlikely to disappear in a puff of smoke come legalization day.

[continues 783 words]


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