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1 CN AB: LTE: Pot's Harm Exceeds Value Of Tax RevenueFri, 29 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:Pfenninger, Caspar Area:Alberta Lines:31 Added:12/29/2017

Re: "Why the big rush to legalize pot?," Letter, Dec. 23.

Mike Priaro has it right. We must look in the direction of Colorado in the U.S. They were a vanguard state in the legalization of marijuana.

Originally, the idea was sold on the promise of all this additional tax revenue from pot sales. Unfortunately, it did not turn out the way they had envisioned it.

What happened, among other negatives, was that the newly created health care costs exceeded the tax income by a large margin.

So, the initial win-win situation turned into a lose-lose proposition. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wish to legalize marijuana in Canada is about creating his legacy.

Caspar Pfenninger, Calgary

[end]

2CN AB: Chief Says Legalizing Cannabis Doesn't Mean Possession ChargesTue, 26 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Author:Wakefield, Jonny Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/27/2017

Legalizing marijuana will tie up police resources and risks clogging the court system, Edmonton police Chief Rod Knecht says in a blunt assessment of Canada's plan to legalize the drug by next summer.

"I don't think we're going to be ready," Knecht said during a yearend interview at Edmonton Police Service headquarters. "There's a lot of work that's got to be done in the next few months."

Legalization is one of the biggest issues facing police services across the country next year. Police chiefs including Knecht have warned that the timelines are too tight and there are too many outstanding issues, including ambiguity around roadside tests for marijuanaintoxication.

[continues 359 words]

3CN AB: Pot Remains Illegal Despite Looming ChangesTue, 26 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:Martin, Kevin Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/27/2017

Police use discretion when deciding whether to lay charges for possession

Despite the Liberal government's plan to legalize marijuana possession next July, the drug's possession remains illegal.

But while the law is still in place, police officers have discretion not to lay charges, a senior officer with the Calgary Police Service said.

Staff Sgt. Mark Hatchette, of the strategic enforcement unit, said officers have and will continue to have leeway when it comes to pot possession.

"We don't target (simple possession)," Hatchette said in a recent interview.

[continues 437 words]

4 CN AB: LTE: Slow Down, EveryoneSat, 23 Dec 2017
Source:South Peace News, The (CN AB) Author:Unger, Betty Area:Alberta Lines:48 Added:12/27/2017

Why is the federal government in such a hurry to pass its marijuana legalization legislation when there are still so many questions and so few answers?

Just this week, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police said that the legislation is coming too fast, stating that, "There is insufficient time to prepare the necessary legislative framework and regulations to ensure the public safety". The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs warned that it will be "impossible" to be ready for the government's target of legalizing marijuana by July 2018. Do these things not matter?

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5CN AB: Head Shops Pipe Up Over Looming Pot LegalizationSat, 23 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:Kaufmann, Bill Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/27/2017

With the coming switch to legal sales, shops hope to keep their market niche

After decades of trail-blazing cannabis-related retail - often under police scrutiny - Calgary head shops say legal recreational marijuana offers them a hazy future.

Despite a perception looming legislative changes might affirm their bong-and-roach-clip business model, those first in on cannabis monetization say the coming reality leaves them in uncharted waters.

It's not entirely clear what head shops' role will be in the sale of legal bud, or if coming pot dispensaries will burn their business by also selling accessories, said Fred Pattison, owner of the Next Level store. Even marijuana's mainstreaming and the expansion of e-retail poses a threat, he said.

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6CN AB: Since 2016, Over 120 Overdoses Reported In Alberta's JailsFri, 22 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Author:Wakefield, Jonny Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/27/2017

Higher-potency opioids lead to concerns about how to keep inmates and staff safe

Alberta correctional facilities have recorded more than 120 overdoses in the past two years, and dozens more in federal prisons in the province, new statistics show.

Postmedia obtained the data after a string of overdoses at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

Since Nov. 29, at least three inmates at the remand centre have been found unresponsive in their cells after apparent overdoses, one of whom died.

Despite efforts to keep contraband out of correctional institutions - including the use of ion scanners, body scanners and detector dogs - the statistics show deadly opioids such as fentanyl are still getting in.

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7 CN AB: City Grapples With Looming Legal PotSat, 23 Dec 2017
Source:Medicine Hat News (CN AB) Author:Gallant, Collin Area:Alberta Lines:90 Added:12/27/2017

The City of Medicine Hat is preparing for the Canada-wide legalization of marijuana in 2018, but in the absence of final rules from other levels of government, local regulations remain a work in progress, officials said this week.

"It is a big cumbersome process, and we're on track to be ready for July, but we'll see a lot of activity in the next six months," commissioner Stan Schwartzenberger told Wednesday's meeting of the development and infrastructure committee.

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8 CN AB: Trying To Stay AheadSat, 23 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Author:Kaufmann, Bill Area:Alberta Lines:86 Added:12/27/2017

Paraphernalia retailers wait for smoke to clear as legalization of marijuana draws near

After decades of trailblazing cannabis-related retail - often under police scrutiny - Calgary head shops say legal recreational marijuana offers them a hazy future.

Despite a perception looming legislative changes might affirm their bong and roach clip business model, those first in on cannabis monetization say the coming reality leaves them in uncharted waters.

It's not entirely clear what head shops' role will be in the sale of legal bud, or if coming pot dispensaries will burn their business by also selling accessories, said Fred Pattison, owner of the Next Level store.

[continues 387 words]

9 CN AB: Alberta Jails Saw More Than 120 Overdoses In 2016Fri, 22 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Author:Wakefield, Jonny Area:Alberta Lines:90 Added:12/27/2017

Alberta correctional facilities have recorded more than 120 overdoses in the past two years, and dozens more in federal prisons in the province, new statistics show.

Postmedia obtained the data after a string of overdoses at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

Since Nov. 29, at least three inmates at the remand centre have been found unresponsive in their cells after apparent overdoses, one of whom died.

Despite efforts to keep contraband out of correctional institutions - including use of ion scanners, body scanners and detector dogs - the statistics show deadly opioids such as fentanyl are still getting in.

[continues 465 words]

10CN AB: Cannabis Operations Shut Down By Police, Multiple Charges LaidFri, 22 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Author:Theobald, Claire Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/27/2017

Owner of one business said he 'wanted to be a role model' for future dispensaries

City police have shut down two south Edmonton cannabis operations, but the owner of one says he was just trying to help medical marijuana patients fill their prescriptions.

"I really wanted to be a role model for the city and to get this done right. I wanted them to work with me, not against me," David Tiefenbach, one of the owners of MediJoint, 7809 109 St., said Thursday.

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11 CN AB: Pot Shops Shut DownFri, 22 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Author:Theobald, Claire Area:Alberta Lines:84 Added:12/27/2017

Cops close two cannabis dispensaries, multiple charges pending

City police have shut down two south Edmonton cannabis dispensaries, but the owner of one says he was just trying to help medical marijuana patients fill their prescriptions.

"I really wanted to be a role model for the city and to get this done right. I wanted them to work with me, not against me," David Tiefenbach, one of the owners of Medijoint, 7809 109 St., said Thursday.

Tiefenbach said he was trying to establish a legitimate dispensary, which police raided and closed Dec. 13.

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12CN AB: Deadly Drugs Plague Alberta JailsFri, 22 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:Wakefield, Jonny Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/27/2017

Opioids linked to 95% of overdoses in provincial facilities through 2016

Alberta correctional facilities have recorded more than 120 overdoses in the past two years, and dozens more in federal prisons in the province, new statistics show.

Postmedia obtained the data after a string of overdoses at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

Since Nov. 29, at least three inmates at the remand centre have been found unresponsive in their cells after apparent overdoses, one of whom died.

Despite efforts to keep contraband out of correctional institutions - including use of ion scanners, body scanners and detector dogs - the statistics show deadly opioids such as fentanyl are still getting in.

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13 CN AB: PUB LTE: Don't Worry About Canada Going To PotFri, 22 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:Currie, James Area:Alberta Lines:29 Added:12/27/2017

Re: "Pot use likely to plague workplaces," Letter, Nov. 30.

I have to disagree with Larry Comeau. Marijuana is not a dangerous drug.

There is not a "greatly enhanced risk" of young people developing psychosis as a result of cannabis usage. The medical evidence is equivocal, and, of course, as a physician, I would caution the use of marijuana in people under the age of 25. (Not that advice would make any difference anyway).

However, the almost hysterical opposition to legalization of marijuana is simply wrong, by all scientific standards.

James Currie, Calgary

[end]

14 CN AB: Police Shut Down Two DispensariesFri, 22 Dec 2017
Source:Metro (Edmonton, CN AB) Author:Maimann, Kevin Area:Alberta Lines:95 Added:12/27/2017

Several people now face drugrelated charges

It's not legal yet.

Police sent out a stern warning Thursday after shutting down two cannabis dispensaries in south Edmonton - including one that required prescriptions for purchase - and making several arrests.

"We want the owners and employees of these illegal cannabis operations to be aware that they're breaking the law, and that we'll continue to enforce that law until such time those laws are changed," said Edmonton Police Service Insp. Shane Perka.

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15CN AB: OPED: Objections To Medical Cannabis 'Dead Wrong'Fri, 22 Dec 2017
Source:Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Author:Moir, James Area:Alberta Lines:Excerpt Added:12/27/2017

College's information outdated, says James Moir.

The Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP) recently published a statement reflecting their stance on medical cannabis, basically stating there is insufficient evidence to recommend it, and that adverse effects outweigh any benefits.

As a physician working in Edmonton's only legitimate "physician-and-nurse-run" cannabinoid medical clinic, I must object strongly to this stance. I have an MD from the University of Alberta, with five years' subspecialty training in anesthesiology and pain medicine, and have over 20 years clinical experience in this area. I have five years' experience in perioperative medicine and extra training in cannabinoid medicine, which allows me to prescribe medical cannabis and work in the clinic, where I have been for the better part of a year.

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16 CN AB: Edmonton Opening Four Supervised Consumption SitesTue, 26 Dec 2017
Source:Metro (Edmonton, CN AB) Author:Maimann, Kevin Area:Alberta Lines:67 Added:12/26/2017

Concern that sites will be clustered in the inner city

Just a few years ago, supervised consumption sites seemed like a pipe dream for public health advocates in Edmonton.

But the opioid crisis, highlighted by alarming rates of fentanyl overdose deaths, sparked a major shift in public opinion and policy.

In October, Health Canada officially gave the green light to five sites in Alberta, including four in Edmonton - all of which are scheduled to be up and running in early 2018.

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17 CN AB: Column: Competitive Cannabis Market Crucial To Combat BlackTue, 26 Dec 2017
Source:Sundre Round Up (CN AB) Author:Ducatel, Simon Area:Alberta Lines:100 Added:12/26/2017

Unreasonable retail prices will not drive people to buy legally

As Canadians prepare to celebrate the New Year, the country's provincial and federal governments continue to work on legalizing cannabis.

Provided everything comes together according to initial plans, the monumental policy failure that has for decades treated a health issue as a criminal one - otherwise known as prohibition - will finally be over this summer.

But a growing question looms as leaders attempt to legislate the substance.

At a proposed price point that does not even make the slightest attempt to compete seriously with rates available on the black market, will people actually be convinced to ditch their dealers and do business with legal, regulated retailers?

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18 CN AB: LTE: High WorkforceWed, 20 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Author:Soch, Mike Area:Alberta Lines:32 Added:12/24/2017

Everyone knows what use of marijuana does. Ability to focus changes for worst, ability to multi task changes for worst, performance and speed of work changes for worst. Willpower diminished and so on. So as a small-business owner (restaurant), now I will have to pay more for minimum wage, and actually might get less work done with someone with dumb grin on his face and a large appetite. How about the medical profession, medical labs and professions, where accuracy and attention to detail is crucial? And if someone decides to fire that particular employee, I can already imagine the labour board taking sides with that employee and filling lawsuit for wrongful dismissal. Thanks, Justin.

Mike Soch



(Why would you assume employees are going to get high for work? Do they currently get hammered?)

[end]

19 CN AB: LTE: B.C. Knowledge Of Pot's Impact Is HazyThu, 21 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:Comeau, Larry Area:Alberta Lines:26 Added:12/24/2017

Billions of dollars have been spent by Canadian governments dissuading young people from taking up tobacco use, and it is finally having a positive effect. Therefore, now making an even more dangerous and addictive drug, legal, certainly will require public education aimed at parents and young children.

With studies in the U.K., U.S.A. and by the Canadian Medical Association all conclusively showing young people using cannabis run a greatly enhanced risk of suffering psychosis and other mental issues later in life, education should have preceded legalization.

Larry Comeau, Ottawa

[end]

20 CN AB: LTE: There Are Risks To Consuming PotThu, 21 Dec 2017
Source:Calgary Herald (CN AB) Author:McColl, Pamela Area:Alberta Lines:36 Added:12/24/2017

Re: "Irksome issues around cannabis legalization," Licia Corbella, Opinion, Dec. 16.

Canadians need to be surveyed on far more marijuana harms than just the risk of driving marijuana impaired. Health Canada has identified conditions for which the use of marijuana is strictly contraindicated.

Our country's health watchdog advises men to avoid the use of marijuana if they want to start a family.

How many Canadians understand the science that links marijuana to a heightened probability of testicular cancer, sterility and damage to DNA? How many Canadians are aware of the scientific evidence that suggests marijuana can negatively impact pre- and post-natal development?

Such warnings, provided from Health Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use, are not the rantings of reefer madness, but rather, statements by highly regarded institutions.

Pamela McColl, Vancouver

[end]


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