Considering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mandated Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, to begin the process of legalizing and regulating cannabis (marijuana) in Canada, isn't Michael Den Tandt mistaken (Legalizing Pot Not High on List for Our New PM, Dec. 16, 2015) to discount the importance of ending cannabis prohibition? It may not be the top priority but it is one of the most important and current issues in North America. Further, attempting to discount Colorado's example of RE-legalizing cannabis is fraught with misanalysing information. In fact, the law is working as planned and every subsequent poll indicates Colorado citizens and voters continue to support ending cannabis in the state. Stan White Colorado [end]
TORONTO - Historians see parallels between repealing the prohibition on alcohol in the 1920s and the forthcoming end of illicit pot. Though Ontario lifted the ban on alcohol sales in 1927, the province tightly regulated its availability through a monopolized liquor control board that for more than four decades kept track of customer history and personal information through permit books and purchase forms. "In Ontario and most other provinces, they followed this pattern of strong government regulation. It legitimized the reintroduction of alcohol and allowed it to go forward," said Mark Sholdice, a doctoral candidate in Canadian history at the University of Guelph. [continues 317 words]
Re Ban public vaping, Editorial Dec. 19 I agree with the Star's editorial that Ontario should stick with its original plan, effective Jan. 1, 2016, to ban the use of e-cigarettes wherever tobacco smoking isn't allowed. Associate Health Minister Dipika Damerla's decision to postpone this ban is the second time in recent months she has shown she is incapable of protecting the health of Ontarians. The first was when she announced that medical marijuana users would be allowed to smoke wherever they wanted. Minister Damerla is incompetent and should be reassigned to another department where she won't be able to do so much damage. She would be much more suited to working for Rothmans or Imperial Tobacco than Ontario's health ministry. Diana Hooper, Willowdale [end]
TORONTO - Michael Korchak says he could see the stares and hear the whispers. He'd hit a snag on his trip home to Burlington last Thursday for Christmas and a group of Air Canada employees was gathering around him at its busy departure gate at the Halifax airport. The 25-year-old Canadian Armed Forces member, who's in the process of receiving a medical discharge because of a traumatic injury suffered on duty, has a prescription for medicinal marijuana to help with chronic pain. [continues 401 words]
Soldier with medicinal pot barred from flight Michael Korchak says he could see the stares and hear the whispers. He hit a snag on his trip home to Burlington last Thursday for Christmas and a group of Air Canada employees was gathering around him at its busy departure gate at the Halifax airport. The 25-year-old member of the Canadian Armed Forces, who's in the process of receiving a medical discharge because of a traumatic injury suffered on duty, has a prescription for medicinal marijuana to help with chronic pain. [continues 342 words]
Health unit concerned about what's in the heroin now on the streets of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Health Unit is warning about a potentially lethal heroin mix available locally which is blamed for one man's death and two other overdoses in Owen Sound on Monday alone. Grey County Emergency Services contacted the health unit about heroin circulating in the community following protocols triggered when there's a health concern the public should know about, Dr. Christine Kennedy, the acting medical officer of health, said in an interview. [continues 534 words]
Considering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mandated Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, to begin the process of legalizing and regulating cannabis (marijuana) in Canada, isn't Michael Den Tandt mistaken (Legalizing pot not high on list for our new pm, Dec. 16, 2015) to discount the importance of ending cannabis prohibition? It may not be the top priority but it is one of the most important and current issues in North America. Further, attempting to discount Colorado's example of RE-legalizing cannabis is fraught with misanalyzing information. In fact, the law is working as planned and every subsequent poll indicates Colorado citizens and voters continue to support ending cannabis in the state. Truthfully, Stan White, Dillon, Colorado [end]
Considering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mandated Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to begin the process of legalizing and regulating cannabis (marijuana) in Canada, isn't Michael Den Tandt mistaken (Legalizing Pot Not High on List for Our New PM, Dec. 16, 2015) to discount the importance of ending cannabis prohibition? It may not be the top priority but it is one of the most important and current issues in North America. Further, attempting to discount Colorado's example of Re-legalizing cannabis is fraught with misanalyzing information. In fact, the law is working as planned and every subsequent poll indicates Colorado citizens and voters continue to support ending cannabis in the state. Stan White Colorado [end]
Re: Legalizing pot not high on list for our new PM (Dec. 16). Considering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mandated Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to begin the process of legalizing and regulating cannabis (marijuana) in Canada, isn't columnist Michael Den Tandt mistaken to discount the importance of ending cannabis prohibition? It may not be the top priority, but it is one of the most important and current issues in North America. Further, attempting to discount Colorado's example of re-legalizing cannabis is fraught with misanalyzing information. In fact, the law is working as planned and every subsequent poll indicates Colorado citizens and voters continue to support ending cannabis in the state. Stan White Dillon, Colo. [end]
What does Colorado think? Considering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mandated Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to begin the process of legalizing and regulating cannabis (marijuana) in Canada, isn't Michael Den Tandt mistaken (Legalizing Pot Not High on List for Our New PM, Dec. 16, 2015) to discount the importance of ending cannabis prohibition? It may not be the top priority but it is one of the most important and current issues in North America. Further, attempting to discount Colorado's example of Re-legalizing cannabis is fraught with misanalyzing information. In fact, the law is working as planned and every subsequent poll indicates Colorado citizens and voters continue to support ending cannabis in the state. Stan White, Colorado [end]
An updated program of drug, mental health and social media awareness is being presented to children and youth in Brantford schools. Part of a changeover that began in 2014 as a pilot project across city schools in both the public and separate boards resulted in an agency name change to TICK (Teaching Intelligent Choices to Kids) from the former DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). "The DARE program met the needs of our community for a long time," said TICK Inc. president Susan Reid. [continues 344 words]
Medical, recreational uses different TORONTO - Ontario is looking for federal government guidance on regulating clinics that sell medical marijuana and on how pot should be sold for recreational use once it's legalized. The federal Liberals promised in this month's throne speech to "legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana" to keep it out of the hands of children while also denying criminals the financial profits. The new government plans to remove possession of small amounts of marijuana from the Criminal Code and create new laws to more severely punish those who provide it to minors or drive while under its influence. [continues 479 words]
Legislation: Ontario Premier wants to be `socially responsible' as federal government moves to legalize weed TORONTO - Ontario is looking for federal government guidance on regulating clinics that sell medical marijuana and on how pot should be sold for recreational use once it's legalized. The federal Liberals promised in this month's throne speech to "legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana" to keep it out of the hands of children while also denying criminals the financial profits. The new government plans to remove possession of small amounts of marijuana from the Criminal Code and create new laws to more severely punish those who provide it to minors or drive while under its influence. Premier Kathleen Wynne says there hasn't been enough discussion about the distinctions between medicinal and recreationalmarijuana, which is one reason she suggested Ontario's government-run liquor stores would be well-suited to retailing legalized pot. [continues 583 words]
To the editor: Considering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mandated Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, to begin the process of legalizing and regulating cannabis (marijuana) in Canada, isn't Michael Den Tandt mistaken (Legalizing Pot Not High on List for Our New PM, Dec. 16, 2015 Recorder and Times) to discount the importance of ending cannabis prohibition? It may not be the top priority but it is one of the most important and current issues in North America. Further, attempting to discount Colorado's example of re-legalizing cannabis is fraught with mis-analysing information. In fact, the law is working as planned and every subsequent poll indicates Colorado citizens and voters continue to support ending cannabis in the state. Stan White, Dillon, Colorado [end]
More young Ontarians say they're likely to try drug, but overall consumption won't change much More young adults in Ontario say they would smoke marijuana if the federal government legalizes the drug, according to a new public opinion poll. The provincewide survey, released exclusively to the Star by Forum Research, found that 29 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 34 reported using weed in the past year. But 39 per cent of people in the same demographic said they would likely take the drug if it were legal. [continues 631 words]
The Ontario government was on the right track with its plan to stiffen the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and ban the use of e-cigarettes wherever tobacco smoking isn't allowed starting on Jan. 1. It would have meant e-cigarette smokers couldn't "light" up and blow clouds of vapour about in workplaces, restaurants, bars, movie theatres and other public places. That was a smart move for two reasons. It would prevent people from being irritated from vapours released by e-cigarette liquids laced with everything from peppermint to nicotine. And it would have answered concerns that the use of the devices in public spaces "normalizes" smoking behaviour after decades of public health campaigns dedicated to making it socially unacceptable. [continues 319 words]
Is legalization of pot in Ontario a win -- or a Wynne -- opportunity for another tax and spend? According to Premier Kathleen Wynne the LCBO is the ideal structure to legally sell, regulate and control this drug. Perhaps but consider the experience in recent legalization in U.S. states such as Colorado. At first blush it appears to be a runaway success. Colorado's governor said the rate of marijuana use has remained flat, arrests have gone down and the state is on pace to generate about $100 million in tax revenue this fiscal year. [continues 146 words]
Other than enriching a government, a party and a union that need no further enriching, nothing about the LCBO monopoly is worth admiring or extending to any other aspect of Ontario life. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne caused amusement this week when she claimed with a straight face that allowing the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to sell marijuana "makes a lot of sense." Ontarians didn't need to be either high or loaded to slap their thighs at that howler. Thanks to the provincial government's 650 unionized liquor outlets we've paid more, suffered more inconvenience, been offered less choice and punished more for alcohol consumption than any people in the world outside of the Middle East. [continues 477 words]
Historians see parallels between repealing the prohibition on alcohol in the 1920s and the forthcoming end of illicit pot. Though Ontario lifted the ban on alcohol sales in 1927, the province tightly regulated its availability through a monopolized liquor control board that for more than four decades kept track of customer history and personal information through permit books and purchase forms. "In Ontario and most other provinces, they followed this pattern of strong government regulation," said Mark Sholdice, a doctoral candidate in Canadian history at the University of Guelph. [continues 261 words]
Regarding the column Legalizing pot not high on list for our new PM (Dec. 16). Considering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mandated Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to begin the process of legalizing and regulating cannabis (marijuana) in Canada, isn't Michael Den Tandt mistaken to discount the importance of ending cannabis prohibition? It may not be the top priority, but it is one of the most important and current issues in North America. Further, attempting to discount Colorado's example of re-legalizing cannabis is fraught with misanalyzing information. In fact, the law is working as planned and every subsequent poll indicates Colorado citizens and voters continue to support ending cannabis in the state. Stan White Dillon, Colo. [end]
TORONTO - Ontario is looking for federal government guidance on regulating clinics that sell medical marijuana and on how pot should be sold for recreational use once it's legalized. The federal Liberals promised in this month's throne speech to "legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana" to keep it out of the hands of children while also denying criminals the financial profits. The new government plans to remove possession of small amounts of marijuana from the Criminal Code and create new laws to more severely punish those who provide it to minors or drive while under its influence. [continues 310 words]
Ontario is looking for federal government guidance on regulating clinics that sell medical marijuana and on how pot should be sold for recreational use once it's legalized. The federal Liberals promised in this month's throne speech to "legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana" to keep it out of the hands of children while also denying criminals the financial profits. The new government plans to remove possession of small amounts of marijuana from the Criminal Code and create new laws to more severely punish those who provide it to minors or drive while under its influence. [continues 394 words]
Apparently there is cause for great celebration because we can now purchase beer at our favourite grocery store while stocking up on the other necessities of life. And while a large number of people are applauding this, there are those who are still denouncing the legalization of marijuana and opposing its proposed sale through LCBO stores because it is dangerous to make it easily accessible. To these people I say, attend at guilty plea court on any given day at the London courthouse and you will hear tales of violence and pain inflicted by persons upon each other as a result of having imbibed too much alcohol. The facts are invariably that the parties have been drinking heavily, a verbal disagreement ensues and escalates into a violent physical confrontation with tragic consequences. [continues 177 words]
Re: Legalizing pot not high on list for our new PM, Dec. 16. Michael Den Tandt reports that levels of marijuana-impaired driving have risen in Colorado since the legalization of the drug in 2013. According to Colorado statistics, the number of drivers involved in fatal collisions who test positive for marijuana has indeed increased, but that doesn't necessarily indicate impairment. Unlike alcohol, traces of marijuana can remain in the body long after the impairment has worn off, even weeks or months. Also, after legalization, it is reasonable to expect that, in any sample group, more people will use the drug and therefore test positive. [continues 72 words]
Re: Wynne thinks selling pot in LCBO makes a 'lot of sense,' Dec. 15. Rather than deciding where is the best place to distribute legalized marijuana, I hope governments at all levels will first decide how best to keep it out of the hands of young people. Studies have shown that those using pot at an early age run an increased risk of having psychological issues later on. Current controls have not kept tobacco and alcohol from ending up with our youths. Everywhere pot has been legalized, organized crime has entered the fray, meaning increased policing costs. Governments blinded by the additional revenue should not forget that with legalization comes additional costs for treating addiction, mental-health issues and overall health care. Premier Kathleen Wynne et al seem to be putting the cart way before the horse. Larry Comeau, Ottawa [end]
Re: Don't hold your breath for legal marijuana, Dec. 16. Since 1923, marijuana has been an illegal drug in Canada, and during the time since its prohibition, it has been sold illegally. No one denies that prohibition has failed to prevent its sale and use. Those who accept the failure are looking for ways to make its use safer. They want to reduce the harm being done by abuse. Education and regulation are now being attempted in some jurisdictions. There are even those who think it may raise government revenue. It may. It will take time to work out the best tools for educating and regulating use, and also how to deal better with abuse. [continues 76 words]
Cannabis (marijuana) prohibition, the act of caging responsible adults for using the relatively safe, extremely popular God-given plant, has been very lucrative for the institution of policing. I refer to The Daily Press story, "No Good Can Come Of This," published on Dec. 5. It would be surprising for Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier to think rationally regarding cannabis and give up the decades old gravy train. Discriminating against citizens, especially sick citizens, who use cannabis is on its last leg and should not be tolerated by civilized society any longer. Police should devote all of their attention to protecting citizens. Stan White, Dillon, Col. [end]
Re: Legalizing pot not high on list for our new PM (Dec. 16) Columnist Michael Den Tandt tells pot enthusiasts it's time to sober up to the more complicated realities of marijuana legalization following the election of Justin Trudeau. Given, of course, that black markets will continue to undersell any government approved dispensaries, he cites other potential "public costs" of legalization, but conveniently neglects to mention the very real social, political and economic toll of drug law enforcement. There is the cost of rounding up and incarcerating thousands of non-violent people, the fading civil liberties, the implementation of domestic law enforcement, the lives devastated by imprisonment. Perhaps drug law reforms are not on any major politicians' "to-do-list" but they should be a priority for any Canadian who values freedom. Tim Hopkins Brantford [end]
Legalization of marijuana was a terrific attention-getter for Justin Trudeau in 2013, and a powerful emblem of change. It highlighted his youth and cool. It made Stephen Harper and his sternly anti-pot front bench look like fussy old bores; Sister Matilda, waggling a disapproving finger at the rambunctious kids at the back of the bus. But that was then. Scratch beneath the surface and the file is rife with complex problems - social, legal and political. Members of the snowboard-and-munchie set, consequently, may have to wait a bit before they can present themselves, bong in hand, at the liquor store, and order a gram of what we used to call the polio, which removes one's ability to stand up. [continues 533 words]
Legalization of marijuana was a terrific attention-getter for Justin Trudeau in 2013, and a powerful emblem of change. It highlighted his youth and cool. It made Stephen Harper and his sternly anti-pot front bench look like fussy old bores; Sister Matilda, waggling a disapproving finger at the rambunctious kids at the back of the bus. But that was then. Scratch beneath the surface and the file is rife with complex problems -- social, legal and political. Members of the snowboard-and-munchie set, consequently, may have to wait a bit before they can present themselves, bong in hand, at the liquor store, and order a gram of what we used to call the polio, which removes one's ability to stand up. [continues 533 words]
Trudeau Government Has Other Priorities Besides Pot Legalization OK, I'll say it: What was she smoking? Except that Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne's vision of a state-run monopoly on the fragrant weed, courtesy of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, is quite plausible, given the logic of imminent legalization. What becomes readily apparent, as the federal Liberals continue to find their footing, is that the idea of legalization of marijuana has never been deeply examined. Legalization was a terrific attention-getter in 2013, and a powerful emblem of change. That worked for Justin Trudeau two years ago. It highlighted his youth and cool. It made Stephen Harper and his sternly anti-pot front bench look like fussy old bores - Sister Matilda, waggling a disapproving finger at the rambunctious kids at the back of the bus. [continues 752 words]
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says the provincial liquor control board is the best way to sell marijuana. Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger made the same comment last month. The Ontario and British Columbia governments' employees unions have also called for it to be sold through liquor retailers. Some may ask, what have they been smoking? But based on why Canada developed these boards in the first place, the premiers have a good case. Are liquor boards the best way to distribute cannabis? [continues 492 words]
A former CFL player turned Ottawa police constable admitted Tuesday that he never turned in as evidence two joints he seized from children, unlawfully arrested a teen in a home he had no reasonable grounds to enter, and lied to a sergeant about why that child should be detained in a cellblock routinely reserved for adult offenders. Const. Jason Mallett pleaded guilty at his disciplinary hearing to insubordination, unlawful and unnecessary exercise of authority, and discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act. The prosecution withdrew two additional charges of insubordination and deceit. [continues 444 words]
Federal Liberal Pledge to Make Marijuana Legal Sparks Distribution Ideas TORONTO - Premier Kathleen Wynne says it would "make a lot of sense" for Ontario's government-run liquor stores to sell marijuana if the federal Liberals make good on their promise to legalize pot. The new federal government's throne speech this month included a pledge to "legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana," following up on a pledge by Justin Trudeau's Liberals. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario, which has 650 stores and a virtual monopoly on alcohol sales, has the experience and expertise to sell legalized marijuana in a responsible way, Wynne said Monday. [continues 390 words]
Ontario is a strange and contradictory place. You can't smoke a cigarette on a patio or, God forbid, on a sports field, but soon you might be able to drive to the nearest liquor store and pick up a bag of weed with your Chardonnay. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne announced this week that if marijuana is legalized in Canada as planned, she'd like the drug to be sold in provincially owned LCBO stores. Who knows - maybe the LCBO will become the Costco of debauchery, where college kids can acquire the bulk of their party favours in a single trip. [continues 681 words]
Wynne says government-run liquor outlets 'very well-suited' to distribute marijuana Weed with your whisky and wine? Premier Kathleen Wynne says once Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government moves to legalize marijuana it should be sold in provincially owned LCBO stores. "It makes sense to me that the liquor distribution mechanism that we have in place at LCBO is very well-suited to putting in place the social responsibility aspects that would need to be in place," the premier said Monday at Queen's Park. [continues 648 words]
Don't think of the legalization of marijuana as a progressive step forward. Think of it as the nationalization of what now is a privately run industry. Make no mistake: This is a state takeover of a privately run business. Premier Kathleen Wynne mused Monday about the possibility of having the LCBO sell pot from its retail outlets. "It makes sense to me that the liquor distribution mechanism that we have in place - the LCBO - is very well suited to putting in place the social responsibility aspects that would need to be in place," Wynne told reporters. [continues 550 words]
Everybody thinks that dang long haired hippie Justin Trudeau is so Liberal and is going to lead us to a brighter future but you just wait when Justin legalizes marijuana we won't be moving forward. In fact we will be going back to the ... 'Stoned-Age' Terry Toll, Campbell's Bay (Har-har.) [end]
Legalization of marijuana was a terrific attention-getter for Justin Trudeau in 2013, and a powerful emblem of change. It highlighted his youth and cool. It made Stephen Harper and his sternly anti-pot front bench look like fussy old bores; Sister Matilda, waggling a disapproving finger at the rambunctious kids at the back of the bus. But that was then. Scratch beneath the surface and the file is rife with complex problems - social, legal and political. Members of the snowboard-and-munchie set, consequently, may have to wait a bit before they can present themselves, bong in hand, at the liquor store, and order a gram of what we used to call the polio, which removes one's ability to stand up. [continues 528 words]
Inside Ontario
