Legalization of marijuana was a long time coming, but Carl Morgan believes the future is bright for selling the product in Nova Scotia. Morgan is currently the owner of two medical marijuana dispensaries - Scotia Green Inc. on East River Road in New Glasgow and one on Spring Garden Road in Halifax. While they've had some uphill battles, he believes the business will continue to grow into the New Year despite the fact that the province has made the decision that recreational marijuana will be sold at Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation outlets. [continues 271 words]
Weed, both smoked and unsmoked, is more pungent than it once was There's a dirty little secret about legalized marijuana, one that could become an issue in neighbourhoods across the country. Well, maybe it would be better to describe it as a stinky little secret, but one that's likely to become very familiar - and maybe too familiar. Weed, both smoked and unsmoked, is more pungent than it once was. It's gone through decades of horticultural experimentation to strengthen its kick. And there's likely to be a lot more of that pungent to go around once smoking a joint isn't a criminal offence anymore. [continues 553 words]
There's a dirty little secret about legalized marijuana, one that could become an issue in neighbourhoods across the country. Well, maybe it would be better to describe it as a stinky little secret, but one that's likely to become very familiar - and maybe too familiar. Weed, both smoked and unsmoked, is more pungent than it once was. It's gone through decades of horticultural experimentation to strengthen its kick. And there's likely to be a lot more of that pungent to go around once smoking a joint isn't a criminal offence anymore. [continues 556 words]
Six people charged following police raids on marijuana dispensaries in Bible Hill in September are to appear in provincial court in January to enter pleas. The six individuals were charged after RCMP officers made simultaneous busts at three medical marijuana dispensaries on Sept. 1. Each person is charged with trafficking in marijuana and cannabis resin as well as with possessing marijuana and cannabis resin for the purpose of trafficking. [Name redacted], 43, and [Name redacted], 30, of Lyman Street and [Name redacted], 32, of Shore Road, Clifton, are to return to court Jan. 17. [continues 69 words]
They're great for entertainment purposes, but then again, so are fortune-tellers and horoscopes. If you're looking at public opinion polls to predict things, well, there are wins and there are losses. And lately, more losses. We've got to start looking at polling differently - because though some of the tools get better all the time, the results are not the gospel we pretend they are. Two polls in the past week or so highlights that for me: a Toronto poll suggesting Doug Ford could be competitive in a race against Toronto Mayor John Tory, and a Corporate Research Associates poll about marijuana use in the Atlantic provinces. [continues 533 words]
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. [continues 55 words]
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. [continues 639 words]
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]
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]
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. [continues 407 words]
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]
Health officials are disappointed that the province has set the legal age for marijuana consumption at 19 years. The consensus among provincial and national health organizations is that the minimum age should be 21, and some believe it should be even older, said Dr. Phil Tibbo, director of the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program and a psychiatry professor at Dalhousie University. "Regular cannabis use can actually have a significant impact on brain development up until about your mid-20s," he said in an interview Thursday. [continues 265 words]
Unprecedented support shown for drug accused In an unprecedented show of support for an accused, some 80 people crowded into two Sydney courtrooms Friday to attend a bail hearing for a man charged with drug trafficking. The crowd left the Sydney Justice Centre cheering and clapping and drove away beeping their horns in showing their extreme pleasure with the decision to grant bail. Provincial court Judge Peter Ross allowed the release of Donald James Campbell, 38, who is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, involving marijuana and hashish. He faces an additional drug charge of growing marijuana. [continues 528 words]
Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island both set legal age for marijuana use at 19 Nova Scotia and P.E.I. both set their legal age for marijuana at 19 on Thursday, but the two East Coast provinces are taking different paths on how weed will be sold. P.E.I. said it will sell marijuana at standalone outlets run separately by its liquor commission, while Nova Scotia said pot will be sold alongside alcohol in its provincial liquor stores. Justice Minister Mark Furey said Thursday Nova Scotia believes selling marijuana through existing liquor stores will provide the necessary control to ensure public safety. [continues 682 words]
The owner of a Halifax marijuana dispensary says the province's recreational pot policy announced Thursday will drive more people to the black market. But Chris Enns said he doesn't fear that widespread access to pot next July will threaten his business. "I've had no less than half a dozen individuals call me this morning literally in tears, worried I was going to shut down or be shut down by these new regulations and that they wouldn't have a source for their medicine anymore," said Enns, owner of Farm Assists Medical Cannabis Resource Centre, in an interview Thursday. [continues 338 words]
Medical marijuana dispensary raid angers clients Cries of anger, disappointment and disgust rang throughout a Sydney courtroom on Monday when a judge ruled Donald James Campbell was to stay in jail until a bail hearing on Friday. Campbell's supporters packed the courtroom on Monday. His mother, overcome with emotion, had to be taken out by wheelchair after the verdict. Campbell is one of three people charged after Cape Breton Regional Police Service raided two commercial properties and two residential properties on Friday. During the raid, an estimated $200,000 worth of drugs was found plus $20,000 cash. [continues 712 words]
Allowing private sector to take point on distribution a sensible policy Newfoundland and Labrador made a common-sense decision last week on the distribution of cannabis in that province. They've opted for a private-sector distribution model, breaking away from the ill-considered public-sector monopolies being set up in Ontario and New Brunswick. As part of the Newfoundland and Labrador plan, the government says it will allow the sale of cannabis by private retailers, while the regulation, distribution and online sales will initially be carried out by the Newfoundland Liquor Corporation. On this issue, the government listened to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. [continues 371 words]
Most pharmacies won't ask what needles are used for Used needles or other sharps never have to be discarded in bottles, garbage or public spaces because of the Safe Sharps Bring-Back Program. The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) administers the program for residential sharps users. Although it is not intended for people who use intravenous drugs, most pharmacies won't ask what the needles are being used for. "The whole idea is about harm reduction," said Hugh Toner, pharmacist owner of both Medicine Shoppe stores in Sydney. [continues 573 words]
To say that Canada is in the midst of opioid crisis is, tragically, a gross understatement. This is an emergency. Some 3,000 people, or about eight a day, are expected to die of opioid overdoses this year in Canada. Another 16 others are hospitalized each day. To put that in perspective, 44 people died in the SARS epidemic of 2003. So Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor's announcement last week listing new measures to fight the opioid crisis could not have come soon enough. But, distressingly, as bold as the new measures are, they don't go far enough to ward off the epidemic of deaths caused by these highly addictive drugs. [continues 587 words]
Police chief warns CBRM to plan ahead for marijuana legislation Once the federal government legalizes cannabis, it may or may not be OK to smoke marijuana while walking down the street. According to Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Peter McIsaac, it is far too soon to predict exactly how the new regulations will affect the consumption, availability, distribution and enforcement of cannabis products and their use here in Cape Breton. "There are still so many unanswered questions, but like it or not, agree with it or not, cannabis is coming and we need to prepare for it as a municipality," McIsaac said during a recent address to Cape Breton Regional Municipality councillors at city hall. [continues 753 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]
For months, Ralph (all names have been changed), neighbour to my friend The Chairman, has left his house only for doctor visits and a couple of hospital stints. That's not for lack of trying. Prescribed mind-numbing meds put the former coal miner into a fog. Several times he insisted that he needed to go outside, rolled his wheelchair to the front door, tried to stand but instead tumbled, like laundry out of a basket, like a milk bottle smashed on the floor. [continues 471 words]
Austin wants Victoria County to get fair share of economic growth With federal legalization of recreational cannabis less than nine months away, these are interesting times for an Economic Development Officer (EDO) in Cape Breton. "I've been watching this for a while and looking for economic opportunities so the County of Victoria gets its fair share of economic growth from it," said Victoria County Economic Development Officer Patrick Austin. Austin was instrumental in launching a broad-based conversation concerning the economic impacts of legalization for Cape Breton. He and colleagues from the Cape Breton Partnership gathered business owners, legislators, regulators, public health and safety authorities for the recent Atlantic Cannabis Forum held in Membertou, Nov. 1-2. [continues 380 words]
When it comes time for your monthly uterine massacre, you bet Mary Jane has your back-and anywhere else that aches whilst surfing the crimson wave. Here are the cannabis products that my co-workers and partner can thank for not being murdered by me once every three weeks. 1 Arthritis balm from Cannalife Botanicals Ever heard of our bodies' endocannabinoid system? It regulates mood, memory, appetite, pain and inflammation, while co-piloting the immune, reproductive, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. The 100-plus chemical compounds cannabis is made up of (like psychoactive THC, and CBD which helps with pain) fit into different endocannabinoid system cell receptors like brokenhearted BFF lockets. [continues 517 words]
Survey says majority won't buy marijuana when legalized Pot doesn't look like it will be popular in this province when it's finally legalized. A new survey released Tuesday says the vast majority of Nova Scotians don't plan to buy marijuana for personal use once it's legalized in Canada. In a media release, Corporate Research Associates (CRA) said only one in five Nova Scotians (19 per cent) intend to buy marijuana at least occasionally for personal use once it's legalized. [continues 181 words]
Cannabis forum attracts businesspeople, politicians, individuals It's still unclear how it will be distributed in Nova Scotia, but with the legalization of cannabis across Canada due by July, businesses, municipalities and individuals are considering how they can best respond. About 75 people attended Thursday's Atlantic Cannabis Forum hosted by the Cape Breton Partnership at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre Thursday. While the Trudeau Liberal federal government introduced legislation to legalize cannabis earlier this year, to date only Ontario and New Brunswick have unveiled what their distribution models will look like. [continues 474 words]
Claims it's racist HALIFAX * A Halifax councillor says he will no longer use the term "marijuana" because it is racist, sparking a social media debate over the well-used synonym for cannabis. Coun. Shawn Cleary said a police officer he works with on a cannabis legalization task force recently brought it to his attention that the term has a racist history. Cleary said in the early 1900s during the criminalization of cannabis in the U.S., "marijuana" was used to demonize marginalized communities, namely Mexicans. [continues 355 words]
To the editor: Monday's editorial about PM Justin Trudeau facing an "uphill battle" in respect to pushing through cannabis legislation next summer seems to coincide with the recent discovery of a magazine I found in my doctor's waiting room. It is called "Drug Facts For Young People" and is a free publication by Regional Maple Leaf Communications Inc., of Edmonton. A copy should be placed in every politician's briefcase and every student's backpack. Here are a few excerpts: [continues 160 words]
Mayors call for more support for cannabis legalization New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks was one of a group of Atlantic mayors who want a stronger voice when it comes to decisions around the legalization of marijuana. She and the other community leaders associated with the Atlantic Mayors' Congress believe municipalities in the region need more support and information as the legalization of marijuana in Canada approaches. While attending the Atlantic Mayors' Congress meeting from Oct. 18 to 20, Dicks signed a joint resolution requesting that the provincial and federal governments co-operate with municipalities in Atlantic Canada to prepare for the legalization of marijuana. [continues 372 words]
A new school year is underway and the race is on to deliver a drug and alcohol-free message to children in Cumberland County. Grade 5 students attending Springhill's two elementary schools, schools in Amherst and neighbouring Northport joined forces to participate in this year's Racing Against Drugs. Sponsored by the Amherst Lions and Lioness Clubs and Amherst Police, community partners like Maggie's Place, Amherst Restorative Justice and many more delivered healthy living messages while empowering students with knowledge through fun. [continues 344 words]
Nova Scotia will be launching its public consultations for marijuana legalization within days, with results expected to be compiled and released before the end of the year, the premier's office has confirmed. Of the Atlantic provinces, Nova Scotia is the last to launch its consultations, which will include telephone and online surveys. P.E.I. just completed an online consultation, garnering around 3,000 responses, Newfoundland released a report of its consultation period in August, and New Brunswick - the furthest along - last month announced its framework for legalization, including plans to follow Ontario in creating a Crown corporation to oversee all pot sales. [continues 231 words]
A RCMP officer's decision to arrest and search two people because he could smell fresh marijuana in the vehicle has resulted in drug and weapon charges being dismissed against an Ingonish couple. Provincial court Judge Peter Ross ruled Monday that it is widely held that police officers can give evidence on what they detect or recognize by smell. "But difficulties arise when the police claim to be able to recognize this particular smell (raw marijuana) as a basis for arrest, with no other supporting grounds," said the judge. Ross ruled that the seizure of the marijuana and the arrest of the two individuals violated their rights not to be arbitrarily detained and to be protected from unreasonable search. The decision meant that items seized would not be admitted into evidence at trial. [continues 484 words]
A lot of sides want a piece of the action - not surprising considering the high hopes many have for profits in selling legal marijuana. What provinces decide about the matter is coming very much under scrutiny these days, particularly after Ontario announced rules that put sales entirely in government hands - much to the chagrin of the private sector. The province will sell the product, when legal as of next July, through the corporation that sells liquor, the LCBO, although in separate outlets. [continues 498 words]
When it comes to two of the big policy battles that loom as the fall sitting of Parliament gets underway this week, prudence dictates that a journalist keeps his or her powder dry. In the debate over the government's proposed tax changes for people with private corporations, as in the case of the Liberal plan to legalize marijuana, what we have so far seen are just the opening manoeuvres in a tug-of-war, the outcome of which in the court of public opinion is far from decided. [continues 667 words]
NDP leadership candidate Jagmeet Singh's recent promise that, as prime minister, he would move quickly to drop criminal penalties for possession or purchase of small amounts of all drugs will no doubt seem radical to many. Broad-based decriminalization would beast ark reversal after decades of increasingly punitive policies. And this would certainly add a layer of complication to the already complicated task of legalizing marijuana, which Ottawa and the provinces are struggling to do by next summer. The Trudeau government' s current position on decriminalization is understandable: Ottawa already has its hands full with pot. [continues 458 words]
We need to figure out how to sell weed in Nova Scotia - we also need to get more stores to sell healthy food. Maybe we can use one problem to solve the other: allow stores to sell weed if they also offer a minimum quantity and quality of fruit and vegetables. Access to healthy food is a major problem in Halifax. Getting to a store that sells broccoli can be a struggle for residents in Harrietsfield, Middle Musquodoboit and parts of urban neighbourhoods like Spryfield and north-end Halifax and Dartmouth. [continues 495 words]
I don't really know where to go with this other than The Coast, since you appreciate input from us random faces in the crowds, and it shows. I recently stumbled across this article on the Metro chain's Halifax website: "Woman high on weed in wreck that killed grandkids." That is terrifying news as our country is striving to make marijuana legal, so I clicked and read briefly into the article-only to realize it was a poor copy-paste job from an Associated Press story that omitted half the information. [continues 131 words]
Government, business community and advocacy groups have varied opinions As the deadline for the federal government's move to legalize marijuana in July 2018 approaches, users, stakeholders, business people and politicians involved in the matter offer a variety of concerns. Hank Merchant, CEO of HBB Medical, a medical marijuana dispensary, welcomes the introduction of guidelines and regulations on the sale of marijuana, "because there are people who have no qualms about operating outside the law." "We, as medical marijuana dispensaries, don't do that," Merchant added. [continues 1044 words]
Harm reduction is one kind of treatment approach for helping people with substance abuse disorders and it can be confusing for people not familiar with it. "Sometimes people think it's abstinence versus harm reduction but that isn't true," said Laura Chapman, health promotion specialist with Mental Health and Addiction Services. "Harm reduction absolutely includes abstinence." Chapman and many other clinical therapists, counsellors and other professionals working directly with people suffering from substance abuse disorders feel harm reduction is an important tool. [continues 244 words]
With the release of Ontario's marijuana legalization framework on Friday, Nova Scotia's opposition is concerned the provincial government is dragging its heels. The first province to have constructed a comprehensive legalization plan, Ontario's framework includes plans to open 150 standalone stores, and to have the province's liquor control board oversee all recreational pot sales. Ottawa will legalize pot by July 2018 but has left it up to the individual provinces to design their own distributions. So far, the Nova Scotia government has been tight-lipped on its plans surrounding legalization, but Progressive Conservative Pictou West MLA and opposition justice critic Karla MacFarlane said they need to start talking. [continues 455 words]
There are concerns Nova Scotia isn't moving fast enough to deal with new standards regulating the legal sale of marijuana, and it could mean other provinces get a leg up. Nova Scotia's plans to get into the pot business are eerily reminiscent of a late-20th century, would-be-pusher - distinguished by stealth and uncertainty. No one knows what, if anything, the province has done to prepare for July 2018, when cannabis is legal in Canada, and the province's vague statements are neither illuminating nor reassuring. [continues 725 words]
Canada is edging closer to the July 2018 target date for the legalization of marijuana in a haze of political smoke. With every new development, the gap between the political narrative attending the initiative and its actual implementation is harder to bridge. Take the federal government's talking points. They have greatly evolved since Justin Trudeau was campaigning on university campuses in the last election campaign. Logic has not always benefited from that evolution. To hear the prime minister these days, the point of the policy is to make it harder for minors to buy marijuana. Clearly, Canada is making its peace with marijuana the better to fight it. [continues 621 words]
After the RCMP raided three local medicinal marijuana dispensaries last week, one store has already re-opened. Maritime Medicinal, one of the three Bible Hill dispensaries, reopened its Main Street location immediately after officers cleared out Friday afternoon. "We were open right after they left," said Ashley Brown of Maritime Medicinal. "There were some charges laid against an individual who worked at the store, however, we support medical cannabis and we decided we would reopen to try and accommodate our patients. We have patients that require our services." [continues 166 words]
RCMP officers raided three medical marijuana dispensaries in Bible Hill Friday afternoon. Sgt. Duane Cooper told the Truro Daily News that search warrants were executed at about 3 p.m. at Re-Leaf Medical Dispensary, 197 Pictou Rd., Community Compassion Centre, 274 Pictou Rd., and at the Maritime Medicinal Centre, 27 Main Street. "As we speak we're still in the process of executing the search warrants," said Cooper, who added the investigations are continuing and more information would be forthcoming when those tasks are complete. [continues 434 words]
Four arrested by officers in Cole Harbour dispensary One day after Tasty Budds reopened its five Nova Scotia locations following police raids last week, one of them has again been searched by police. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Clarke confirmed to Metro Tuesday afternoon that police searched the Tasty Budds location in Cole Harbour. "We arrested four people, one of whom will be in court tomorrow morning in Dartmouth," Clarke said. Charges are expected against that one person, and Clarke said police will be naming them on Wednesday. [continues 136 words]
Supporters of marijuana advocate protest outside Amherst courthouse Support for a Cumberland County man charged with marijuana and firearm offences showed up early Monday for his first court appearance since being arrested almost a week ago. Fifty-two year old Daren Wayne McCormick was arrested and charged Aug, 23, after Cumberland RCMP and a street crime unit conducted a search at a Northport home. Ten handguns, a shotgun, drug paraphernalia and what police descried as a large number of marijuana plants were removed from the home. [continues 276 words]
'Alleged illegal activity' only at one location All five Tasty Budds medical marijuana dispensaries in Nova Scotia have reopened following raids last week, and allegations of illegal activity that the chain's owner says were confined to just one location. Police searched four homes and five Tasty Budds dispensaries last week after an eight-month investigation, and laid charges against nine people, including Tasty Budds president Mal McMeekin. Police said those searches turned up a loaded handgun, a shotgun, cocaine, marijuana, shatter, hash, oil, edibles, and large amounts of cash. One man, 31-year-old Jarrett Randall Shrum of Bedford, was charged with trafficking cocaine, plus seven firearms charges including possession of a firearm obtained by crime and tampering with a firearm's serial number. [continues 295 words]
Tasty Budds president Mal McMeekin is "very sorry" about alleged illegal activities that police say were occuring at his company's storefronts. "We want to be very clear that the alleged illegal activity was occuring at one Tasty Budds location (Sackville Location)," reads a written statement sent to The Chronicle Herald and attributed to Mal McMeekin. "This only came to our attention through the recent police activity and investigation. This is a gross violation of our code of conduct, our ethics, and everything that Tasty Budds stands for." [continues 343 words]
A smoking syllabus to becoming the most productive pothead on campus. Harvard studies suggest cannabis enhances cognitive function. German studies conclude micro-dosing weed is an effective ADHD treatment. And with Canada's impending marijuana legalization, the "lazy stoner" stereotype is washing away, making room for the high-functioning user to spark up. Carefully chosen MMJ strains, dosage and smoke methods just might be your path to becoming most productive pothead on campus. Pre-class anxiety? Live every week like it's shark week with Great White Shark: This stimulating sativa offers an energizing high that melts away the anxiety in a room full of tutorial strangers. Great White's plant parents obliterate depression, stress and pain, so you can stay relaxed yet inspired while scoring full participation marks. Ren, a second-year NSCAD student with a nervous tummy, attributes her stellar grades to this potent strain. [continues 479 words]
Event aims to break stigma around overdose and drug use About 75 Cape Bretoners gathered at Wentworth Park Bandshell on Thursday to pay tribute to loved ones who died by drug overdose or who are struggling with addiction. Tears flowed and people could be heard quietly sobbing and sniffing during the Overdose Awareness Day event, especially when the names of people who died of drug overdoses were being called out. Antoinette Murphy, who lost her son to an overdose five months ago, was there with her three daughters and a granddaughter. [continues 545 words]
Inside Nova Scotia
