To the editor, Bootleggers in Pictou County sell beer at double the price because of all the risks involved. Marijuana is mostly supplied by organized crime. These people face all the risks of the bootlegger and more. There have been murders, kidnappings, torture, etc., all in the quest for control of the marijuana trade. Is it any wonder why their prices are so high? The reasons they risk life and limb is that the profits are astronomical. Marijuana is one of the cheapest, easiest and maintenance-free plants to grow. Can someone please explain how the government-sanctioned marijuana distributors came up with such exorbitant prices when their entire operation is "risk free." Marijuana on the street is the very same marijuana that the government distributors sell but their prices don't reflect this. [continues 96 words]
Although a majority of Atlantic Canadians support the legalization of marijuana for personal use, not many actually plan on using it recreationally when it is legal. According to numbers from Corporate Research Associates (CRA), the proportion of Atlantic Canadians who plan on at least occasionally lighting up for fun is about 20 per cent. Ten per cent of respondents indicated they would "definitely" be occasionally purchasing and using marijuana, while 10 per cent said they would "probably" be doing so. Twenty-two per cent of people in Atlantic Canada said they would "probably not" be purchasing and, at least occasionally, using marijuana. Approximately 59 per cent responded that they wouldn't, or that they didn't know. [continues 447 words]
Far out, man, New Glasgow is chosen as one of the select spots around Nova Scotia that will have marijuana available. If you're one of those interested in partaking of the herb once legalized, consider yourself lucky, because these places are few and far between. If you live in a remote corner of Pictou County and think driving in to town for groceries is a long haul, well, it's a lot less daunting a prospect compared to what some tokers will face. [continues 408 words]
New Glasgow Police Chief Eric MacNeil is worried the legalization of marijuana will cause a spike in potentially lethal drug-impaired driving. Making the problem worse is that police have no equipment such as breathalyzers that can easily and quickly detect marijuana in suspected impaired drivers. Instead, police must typically rely on expert drug-recognition officers to visually detect the effects of marijuana, such as trouble concentrating or hallucinations. Blood and urine samples can also be taken. "It causes me great concern. We are in the business of public safety," said MacNeil. [continues 432 words]
Local police say they need more resources to combat driving while high as the federal government moves to legalize marijuana across Canada. The key to reducing driving while high remains education, enforcement and keeping minors from accessing or using marijuana once Ottawa legalizes the drug. "Currently police forces throughout Pictou County, Nova Scotia and Canada use drug recognition officers who deal with impaired drivers. They can determine if they are under the influence of drugs," said Const. Ken MacDonald at New Glasgow Regional Police. [continues 338 words]
Editor's Note: This story is part of a series on the birth of a new Nova Scotia industry: Legal pot cultivation. Nova Scotia pain researchers are looking to key into the body's own systems for relief through new products based on cannabinoids like those in cannabis. A research team has founded a company called Panag Pharma Inc. to develop non-addictive, effective topical pain relievers that will be available over the counter. Company president Dr. Mary Lynch is a professor at Dalhousie University and director of research in the pain management unit of the QEII Health Sciences Centre. [continues 747 words]
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]
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]
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]
Two former Alberta government cabinet ministers and a police chief are part of a group that is working to promote the legal recreational marijuana industry. Former justice minister Jonathan Denis belongs to an organization called the Canadian Cannabis Chamber that is providing legal, lobbying and security advice to companies as Canada prepares for the legalization of pot next July. Denis said he never dreamed he would be working as an advocate for an industry that will sell a substance that people were arrested for during his years as Alberta's solicitor general. [continues 193 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 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]
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]
Medicinal marijuana dispensary in Stellarton offers variety of products This isn't your grandma's home remedy. Although maybe it is - maybe your grandma is totally on board with medical marijuana taking away the aches and pains that can come with old age. "If you eat that ice cream, you're going to feel very, very relaxed. We've got people in their 80s coming in here," said Hank Merchant, chief executive officer of HBB Medical - a medicinal pot dispensary in Stellarton that opened several weeks ago. [continues 396 words]
Many have noted the federal government's vision on recreational marijuana regulations remains notably blurry. With legalization anticipated about a year from now, the questions continue, as do recommendations about where to draw certain lines. The legal age to possess and partake is right up there among concerns. To that end, the New Brunswick Medical Society has weighed in this week, saying the bar should be set at 21. They add that the legal age for tobacco purchase and consumption should also be 21. [continues 388 words]
If all goes according to plan, Canada's new marijuana law will take effect in July 2018. It's what happens between now and then that is critical, especially when it comes to safeguarding young Canadians who are the most vulnerable to the potential harms of marijuana use. Studies have shown adolescents are particularly at risk due to the fact their brains are continuing to develop and at a rapid pace. It's wise to take into consideration that research has shown that chronic marijuana usage is linked to memory and attention difficulties, prominently among individuals who started use while in early adolescence. [continues 346 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]
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]
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]
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]
