Nova Scotia not ready to talk strategy on legalization The Nova Scotia government has formed two working groups to get into the weeds of marijuana legalization, but the province's plans remain a little hazy. A federal task force on marijuana legalization released a report this week recommending mail-order and storefront sales to people over the age of 18, with a 30-gram limit on personal possession of recreational pot. The report contained more than 80 recommendations about how legalized marijuana should be produced, regulated and sold. [continues 267 words]
When the recreational use of marijuana becomes legal in Canada in the next few years, how old should you have to be to join in the fun? This issue - the legal age for buying and consuming cannabis - is the biggest single challenge facing the federal Liberals as they rewrite the law on this popular, but potentially harmful, drug. A federal task force this week provided 80 recommendations for opening up the market for recreational pot. Most of the suggestions, which include permitting storefront and mail-order sales as well as allowing individuals to buy or carry up to 30 grams for personal use, are both reasonable and workable. But the recommendation to allow sales to people as soon as they turn 18 is troubling because of the harm that medical experts say would result. The age should be higher. [continues 358 words]
With the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana expected to become a reality in Canada in the next couple of years, there are a number of important issues to be considered as we proceed in a sensible way - in other words, with caution. This past week a federal task force released a report with a lengthy list of recommendations on how Canada should move forward with legalizing marijuana. One that causes immediate concern is the task force's troubling recommendation that would allow sales of the drug to anyone aged 18 or over. [continues 354 words]
This must be some sort of lapse of the synapse. One of the key warnings regarding coming legalization of marijuana didn't make the impression warranted. Health professionals have tried to stress the importance of keeping recreational marijuana away from young people. Last month, the Canadian Paediatric Society urged that the federal government ban sales to those younger than 18 or 19, depending on the province, to correspond with age limits for alcohol and tobacco sales. The federal task force in charge of recommendations, in releasing its report Tuesday, chose the low end of that age spectrum, saying sales should be limited to people 18 and over. [continues 333 words]
Auntie's founder convinced of weed's medicinal abilities A medical marijuana dispensary operating in Bible Hill is making access easier for people who require it, clients say. The dispensary, called Auntie's Health and Wellness Center, is also beneficial because it offers medicinal cannabis in more forms and wider variety than conventional methods. "I believe people should have direct access to their medication. And they don't," said Auntie's founder Shirley Martineau. She said people who genuinely need marijuana are often forced to acquire it illegally, "and they don't know what they are getting." [continues 381 words]
Medical marijuana users give thumbs up to retail dispensary At one point, following a severe industrial accident in 2005, Craig Upham was taking 28 different medications per day. Five of those were to counter side effects of the prescribed narcotics he was taking. Upham eventually became addicted to oxycontin, which robbed him of his personality, made him hostile and ruined a marriage. "In 2007 they didn't know what to do with me," he said. "The doctors told me I wouldn't be able to walk, I would be in a wheelchair." [continues 396 words]
Mandatory roadside screening and oral fluid testing for drugs should become law before the federal government proceeds with legalizing marijuana, a spokesperson for MADD Cobequid says. "This is something that has to take place before the decriminalization is put in place," newly elected president Kay Foster-Alfred said during a public meeting Thursday evening. "This is going to be happening and we have to be ready for it." Despite being disappointed that only one member of the public attended the session, Foster-Alfred says she does not feel that is representative of the community mindset regarding impaired driving by either drugs or alcohol. [continues 178 words]
Federal plan hits roadblocks from provinces, territories over road safety concerns at justice ministers' meeting HALIFAX - The federal government's plan to legalize marijuana has some provincial politicians raising concerns about drug-impaired driving. Three provincial justice ministers made a point of highlighting the issue Friday at the conclusion of a meeting in Halifax between federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson Raybould and her provincial and territorial counterparts. Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi was the first to bring it up during a news conference, saying his province is also keen to ensure there are measures to protect youth and focus on harm reduction. [continues 394 words]
HALIFAX - The federal government's plan to legalize marijuana has some provincial politicians raising concerns about drug-impaired driving. Three provincial justice ministers made a point of highlighting the issue Friday at the conclusion of a meeting in Halifax between federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and her provincial and territorial counterparts. Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi was the first to bring it up during a news conference, saying his province is also keen to ensure there are measures to protect youth and focus on harm reduction. [continues 439 words]
HALIFAX - The federal government's plan to legalize marijuana has some provincial politicians raising concerns about drug-impaired driving. Three provincial justice ministers made a point of highlighting the issue Friday at the conclusion of a meeting in Halifax between federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and her provincial and territorial counterparts. Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi was the first to bring it up during a news conference, saying the province is also keen to ensure there are measures to protect youth and focus on harm reduction. [continues 487 words]
Dealing with reaction from the United States was always going to be one of the trickiest aspects of moving toward legalization of marijuana across Canada. The case of Matthew Harvey, which came to light this past week, underscores just how tricky it may get. And it shows that the federal government must lose no time in making sure that individual Canadians are not penalized as a result of misunderstandings between the two countries. Harvey was banned from the U.S. for life in 2014 after he truthfully answered a question from an American border control officer as he tried to cross from Vancouver into Washington State. [continues 381 words]
A judge seemed bewildered Friday as she sentenced a Prince Edward Island man for selling drugs out of his home. Alfred William Gallant admitted to police he had been selling marijuana out his house for years. He said he did so to pay for his own usage - about seven or eight grams a day. A report found his common-law spouse didn't view it as trafficking because it was only marijuana and he only sold to people he knew. "You have to shake your head," Chief Judge Nancy Orr said. [continues 354 words]
A judge seemed bewildered Friday as she sentenced a Prince Edward Island man for selling drugs out of his home. Alfred William Gallant admitted to police he had been selling marijuana out his house for years. He said he did so to pay for his own usage - about seven or eight grams a day. A report found his common-law spouse didn't view it as trafficking because it was only marijuana and he only sold to people he knew. "You have to shake your head," Chief Judge Nancy Orr said. [continues 355 words]
A judge seemed bewildered Friday as she sentenced a Prince Edward Island man for selling drugs out of his home. Alfred William Gallant admitted to police he had been selling marijuana out his house for years. He said he did so to pay for his own use - about seven or eight grams a day. A report found his common-law spouse didn't view it as trafficking because it was only marijuana and he only sold to people he knew. "You have to shake your head," Chief Judge Nancy Orr said. [continues 355 words]
Air force member from N.S. speaks out on drug charges A member of the Royal Canadian Air Force who's facing drug and firearm offences says he intends to fight what he calls "bogus" charges. Nicholas Burrell, 28, says he believes he was unfairly targeted for using medical marijuana to treat his mental health issues. "The way it was worded made it seem that I was running around with a gun and selling weed," Burrell said about the Canadian Forces news release sent to media on Tuesday. [continues 516 words]
Medical marijuana shop challenging review board It's going to be business as usual for a local medical marijuana dispensary, despite a decision from the Utility and Review Board. Tasty Budds, which has three locations in Halifax Regional Municipality, appealed a decision by the municipality in February to deny the business an occupancy permit. In a decision released this week, the UARB denied the appeal. "We respect their decision, but we know that it's wrong at the same time. So we're just moving forward and filing an appeal," Tasty Budds owner Mal McMeekin said Wednesday. [continues 163 words]
The ink is barely dry Monday's Utility and Review Board decision declaring one medical marijuana dispensary illegal, but the owners of Auntie's Health and Wellness Centre are busy preparing to open their doors at 1547 Barrington St. this Friday - with or without a business occupancy permit. Owner Shirley Martineau's dispensary will focus on patients battling cancer. "How am I supposed to say 'no' to someone who has cancer?" Martineau said on Tuesday. "Just because the government won't allow me to stay open to save lives." [continues 515 words]
Medical experts across Canada and the United States have been sounding loud warnings for the past few years about the explosion of deaths related to overdosing on opioid-related drugs. One U.S. authority compares the epidemic to the rapid spread of AIDS in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now there's new evidence about the disproportionate impact on one specific group - recently released prisoners. And it underlines the need for more robust services to treat them in the crucial first days when they are returning to the community. [continues 329 words]
Justice Minister Diana Whalen should appoint an independent investigator to probe what happened to the money and drugs that seem to have gone missing at the Halifax Police Department. There's no way around this. After all, an internal audit completed at HPD last November found that a substantial portion of drug and cash exhibits couldn't be found where they were supposed to be. In May, auditors concluded that some money and pharmaceuticals were either AWOL (away without leave) - - or worse still MIA (missing in action). [continues 376 words]
HALIFAX - Correctional officers at a provincial jail in Cape Breton failed to follow proper procedures earlier this year when they placed a man in a cell, where he died of a drug overdose 13 hours later, Nova Scotia's Justice Department says. The department's review of the case, released Monday, says that when Jason Marcel LeBlanc was admitted to the Cape Breton Correctional Facility on Jan. 30, staff did not follow all steps in the strip search process, and they failed to complete their rounds at standard intervals. [continues 654 words]
Entrenched, partisan mentality is one of the worst things about our political institutions. The federal Liberals - despite claims of a progressive attitude toward governing - are demonstrating they're just as capable of it as the rest. With the legalization of marijuana still on the agenda, the Liberals rejected a motion from the NDP this week to - in the meantime - decriminalize simple possession leading up to the law change. This wouldn't be the first time politicians and others have suggested that interim step as sensible. [continues 303 words]
A few drops of cannabis oil on the tongue could mean the difference between life and death for young Morgan Oulton. Now aged 12, the Kentville girl has had life-long epilepsy, recently suffering severe grand mal seizures that once sent her to hospital and another time nearly drowned her in a bathtub. She has lived in a Yarmouth care facility for nine months, has autism, cognitive and behavioural problems, and is considered a flight risk. "We're scared that her time's running out. We don't know when the next seizure's going to be," said her mother Chantelle Oulton, fighting back tears as she addressed media in Bedford Wednesday alongside her husband Brent. "She continues to deteriorate." [continues 526 words]
According to MADD, impaired driving on average claims 1,250 to 1,500 lives each year and injures approximately 63,000 Canadians. This number is staggering when you consider that this is an entirely preventable tragedy. I am concerned that the discussion of the legalization or decriminalization of Cannabis Marijuana may create an increase in these numbers. I believe that MADD has done a great job in campaigning on the dangers of consuming alcohol while driving, but now drug impaired driving is becoming more and more an issue. In fact, in some age groups, it may be a bigger problem than alcohol-impaired driving. [continues 677 words]
N.S. Marijuana Seller Says Weed Shall Overcome Halifax's best known marijuana business operator Mal McMeekin says it won't be long before the need for medical marijuana overcomes the stigma and legal biases against it. McMeekin isn't rattled by last week's Toronto raids of 43 marijuana dispensaries. "I knew the risks and I knew what could happen," said McMeekin following the raids. He acknowledges his business operates in a legal grey area and spoke to the Chronicle Herald last month about the confusing and conflicting politics of medical marijuana sales. [continues 1064 words]
What do Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and Washington state have in common? They've legalized recreational marijuana use for adults. And a total of 24 states allow medical marijuana in various ways: in New York, you cannot smoke it, although you can inhale a vapor, eat it, use a tincture or take pills. More than 12 states have decriminalized possession. No wonder marijuana use more than doubled from 2001 to 2013. Unfortunately, according to a study in JAMA Psychiatry, in 2012-13 nearly 30 per cent of users had marijuana use disorder, otherwise known as MUD. That's a huge percentage. Symptoms include problems with normal functioning, cravings and withdrawal symptoms, such as inability to sleep, restlessness, nervousness, anger or depression within a week of ceasing heavy use. This MUD treatment also makes you older. [continues 121 words]
Former PM Says He Has Tried To Keep Pace With Changing Attitudes On Big Social Issues HALIFAX- Jean Chretien says politicians have to adjust to changing times, as his own views on marijuana, capital punishment and other contentious issues evolved after he was first elected in the early 1960s. Whether it's pot smoking, abortion, gay marriage or the death penalty, the former prime minister says he's tried to reflect the spirit of the times - even if his changing politics put him in conflict with his conservative upbringing in a large Roman Catholic family in rural Quebec. [continues 351 words]
Ex-PM, 82, Says Politicians Musts Adjust To Changing Times HALIFAX - Jean Chretien says politicians have to adjust to changing times, as his own views on marijuana, capital punishment and other contentious issues evolved after he was first elected in the early 1960s. Whether it's pot smoking, abortion, gay marriage or the death penalty, the former prime minister says he's tried to reflect the spirit of the times - even if his changing politics put him in conflict with his conservative upbringing in a large, Roman Catholic family in rural Quebec. [continues 357 words]
Up in Smoke (Cheech and Chong, 1978) may have floated the hazy notion that smoking marijuana was harmless fun, but new research shows that a woman's chance for delivering a healthy baby is actually what goes up in smoke if she lets smoke into her brain and lungs while pregnant. Researchers from the University of Arizona looked at 24 studies of pregnancy and marijuana smoking: They discovered that pregnant women who smoke cannabis were more likely to be anemic and their babies more likely to end up in neonatal intensive care with low birth weight. [continues 148 words]
To Those Facing Sentencing for Marijuana Possession An Amherst defence lawyer is offering free legal representation to Cumberland County residents facing sentencing for possession of cannabis for personal use. Jim O'Neil said Thursday he is offering the service through the remainder of 2016 and only to people who have pleaded guilty and are in the sentencing phase. "In this country we have the ancient common-law tradition of amicus curiae. When a lawyer believes an injustice might occur in a court proceedings, the lawyer can appear as a friend of the court and provide representation, usually this is done without charge," said O'Neil. "The Canadian government has announced that simple possession of cannabis for personal use will be decriminalized in 2017. [continues 371 words]
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the latest budget brought huge debt, a two per cent increase in the HST and shutdowns of everything from seniors' dental programs to more than half the province's public libraries. In Prince Edward Island, the HST's up one per cent, while Nova Scotia has gone through public sector wages to eke out the barest slender slip of a balanced budget. New Brunswick? It also raised HST by two points to 15 per cent and is talking about public sector job cuts. [continues 472 words]
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the latest budget brought huge debt, a two per cent increase in the HST and shutdowns of everything from seniors' dental programs to more than half the province's public libraries. In Prince Edward Island, the HST's up one per cent, while Nova Scotia has gone through public sector wages to eke out the barest slender slip of a balanced budget. New Brunswick? It also raised HST by two points to 15 per cent and is talking about public sector job cuts. [continues 473 words]
The federal government is pushing ahead with plans to legalize marijuana and not before time. Health Minister Jane Philpott certainly didn't play down the controversial announcement. She chose a special session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York regarding drug use and drug-related crime. The timing was more than coincidental. Minister Philpott chose April 20 to reveal that Ottawa plans to introduce legislation legalizing marijuana in the spring of next year. Her address coincided with 4/ 20 - the annual day of celebration for cannabis culture lovers, the so- called National Weed Day. [continues 400 words]
Marijuana Party founder Dana Larsen, busted less than two weeks ago on a national pot-promoting tour, said he feels right at home in Halifax. "It's coming along really nicely here," he said in an interview before a speech at the High Life Social Club on Spring Garden Road. "It's getting some new dispensaries opening up. I suspect that the dispensary revolution will spread across the Maritimes." Halifax Regional Municipality has denied business licences to operators such as Tasty Budds Compassion Club. The operator has appealed the decision to the UARB and opened a second location. Farm Assist's operator has been charged with trafficking. [continues 227 words]
Families of Dead Provincial Inmates Grieve As Demands for Accountability Rebuffed SYDNEY, N. S. - Ernest LeBlanc sits by the wooden box that contains his son's cremated remains, clenching his hands as he describes his anger at the wall of silence that has greeted most of his questions about his son's death in a Cape Breton jail hours after being admitted. "I want to know how he died. I know he could have been saved. He didn't deserve to die like this," says the 64-year-old resident of Sydney Mines, N. S. [continues 852 words]
As illustrious a scientist as Arthur McDonald is expressing optimism about the current federal government's indication it will embrace the scientific community. That change in attitude by the Liberals as compared to the former government should come as a relief to Canadians in general, for a range of reasons. McDonald, originally from Sydney, was co-winner of the Nobel Prize in physics last fall for his discoveries regarding sub-atomic particles known as neutrinos. He congratulated the Justin Trudeau government for its intention to promote science and innovation, and to allow scientists to speak freely about their work - something the Harper government forbade. [continues 293 words]
As illustrious a scientist as Arthur McDonald is expressing optimism about the current federal government's indication it will embrace the scientific community. That change in attitude by the Liberals as compared to the former government should come as a relief to Canadians in general, for a range of reasons. McDonald, originally from Cape Breton, was co-winner of the Nobel Prize in physics for his discoveries regarding sub- atomic particles known as neutrinos. He congratulated the Justin Trudeau government for its intention to promote science and innovation, and to allow scientists to speak freely about their work - something the Harper government forbade. [continues 292 words]
As illustrious a scientist as Arthur McDonald is expressing optimism about the current federal government's indication it will embrace the scientific community. That change in attitude by the Liberals as compared to the former government should come as a relief to Canadians in general, for a range of reasons. McDonald, originally from Cape Breton, was co-winner of the Nobel Prize in physics for his discoveries regarding sub-atomic particles known as neutrinos. He congratulated the Justin Trudeau government for its intention to promote science and innovation, and to allow scientists to speak freely about their work - something the Harper government forbade. [continues 292 words]
Martin's Medical Services operating inaugural East Coast clinic in Middleton MIDDLETON - The Annapolis Valley's first professional dispenser of medicinal marijuana is open for business. Martin's Medical Services officially opened its first clinic on the East Coast on Main Street in Middleton last month and hopes to open 15 more clinics across the country this year, said David Gravelle. This clinic specializes in providing high-quality medicinal cannabis products to patients with a valid medical prescription, and carries nonprescription Chinese herbs, and other homeopathic remedies. [continues 412 words]
RCMP Seize Shipments of Shatter It's time for more chatter about shatter. "The RCMP in the Annapolis Valley has successfully interdicted two shipments of shatter in the last four months. This is a newer product in the Valley," said Cpl. Michael Hynes of Annapolis Valley Traffic Services. In August, Kings District RCMP members investigating a cell phone- related traffic violation in New Minas seized about 100 grams of shatter. As a result, a 21- year-old Bridgewater man was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. [continues 201 words]
You don't have to be stoned to be confused by the status of Canada's marijuana laws. Users of medical marijuana must wonder if it's OK to pick up supplies at pot dispensaries across the country. In Nova Scotia, one operator proudly announced the opening of his Dartmouth dispensary last week. But at least two in-province pot retailers were raided by police last year. The law seems to suggest prescription holders should obtain the drug from licensed suppliers - which means by mail-order. [continues 325 words]
Dispensary serving up Tasty Buds in Cole Harbour At the municipality's newest medical marijuana dispensary, a mixture of Nova Scotia-themed and marijuana-themed art hangs on the walls, and the faint smell of fresh cannabis fills the air. Patients sit in a waiting room that looks a lot like the one at the dentist's office. When it's their turn, they go to the back of the dispensary, and pick from a selection of different strains of dried marijuana, hash, and edibles like marijuana-infused peanut butter cups and suckers. [continues 327 words]
At the municipality's newest medical marijuana dispensary, a mixture of Nova Scotia-themed and marijuana-themed art hangs on the walls, and the faint smell of fresh cannabis fills the air. Patients sit in a waiting room that looks a lot like the one at the dentist's office. When it's their turn, they go to the back of the dispensary, and pick from a selection of different strains of dried marijuana, hash, and edibles like marijuana-infused peanut butter cups and suckers. [continues 352 words]
A senior police officer in Halifax has been accused of stealing an illicit substance that was seized during an earlier drug investigation, according to the independent watchdog that oversees police in Nova Scotia. The Serious Incident Response Team confirmed Wednesday that 35-year-old Det.-Const. Laurence Gary Basso - a drug investigator with 11 years of experience on the regional force - has been charged with theft, breach of trust and obstruction of justice. The agency says the allegations involve a substance known as "cut," which went missing from an police exhibit locker some time between Jan. 1, 2015 and March 14, 2015. The substance is used in the illegal drug trade to dilute drugs to increase quantity and profitability. [continues 206 words]
Colorado Raking in Taxes From Legalized Weed A pall hangs over Denver, Colorado. Lawlessness stalks its streets, while stupefied potheads loll on every corner, stoned senseless on legal weed. Well, actually, no, it's not really like that at all. Really, it's just another day. Denver's like any other big American city: on the 16th Street Mall, there are vagrants on the corners, Broncos and Patriots fans spooling around while they wait for the start of the AFC final later in the day. Coffee shops are setting out chairs in the unseasonable warmth, and a robot street performer, painted entirely silver, is making plans with friends for after the game. [continues 509 words]
Doctor-assisted dying law shouldn't be hastily implemented The federal government is wise to request a six-month extension to draft new legislation on doctor-assisted dying. Canadians have been waiting for legislation on this crucial issue for far too long already, but for the Liberal government to rush it through by the February deadline after inheriting it from the foot-dragging Conservatives, does not make sense. Last February, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the ban on medically-assisted suicide. The ruling gave the federal government 12 months to rewrite the Criminal Code, or ignore the ruling, essentially leaving the matter in legal limbo. [continues 361 words]
HALIFAX - At a Halifax skate park last summer, Philip Tibbo's 14-year-old son was told by a group of older teenagers that marijuana is natural and no harm would come of using it. It's one of many myths about cannabis circulating amongst Canadian youths today, said Tibbo, a professor at Dalhousie University's Department of Psychiatry. "I asked him if many people were smoking (at the skate park) today. And he said, 'Yes, but they're all saying it's harmless. That it doesn't do anything to you,'" said Tibbo. [continues 452 words]
Inside Nova Scotia
