Timothy Lee Felger owned and operated a retail outlet, DaKine Store, in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The store sold marijuana-related products, not that there's anything wrong with that. But the store also had an unusual sign on its front window. It read: "No Police Officers Allowed In The Store Without A Warrant." In addition, Felger's lawyer sent a letter to the chief of the Abbotsford Police Department stating, "This letter serves as formal notification that no member of the Abbotsford Police Department is allowed onto this premise (Felger's store) without a warrant." [continues 572 words]
The smouldering issue of marijuana is floating around Canada these days, but shifting political and legal debates are clouding the matter. For their part, led by leader Justin Trudeau, the federal Liberals are pushing to legalize the substance for recreational use, arguing marijuana prohibition is expensive, ineffective, promotes organized crime and turns ordinary citizens into criminals. This, in turn, has been received like a tossed-down gauntlet by Stephen Harper's Conservatives, whose attack ads accuse Trudeau of irresponsibly trying to make it easier for children to get their hands on pot. [continues 450 words]
A smouldering debate about marijuana is wafting through Canada these days, but too much talk about politics and the law is clouding what should be a major concern for everyone. Led by leader Justin Trudeau, the federal Liberals are pushing to legalize the substance for recreational use, arguing marijuana prohibition is expensive, ineffective, promotes organized crime and turns ordinary citizens into criminals. This has been received like a tossed-down gauntlet by Stephen Harper's Conservatives, whose attack ads accuse Trudeau of trying to make it easier for children to get their hands on pot. [continues 419 words]
It's a good thing fumes from the debate about marijuana are not toxic. If they were, we'd surely have a whole new health crisis on our hands 14 months from now, considering the fog of secondhand smoke on the issue that's going to fill the air between now and the federal election next October. The Canadian Medical Association's reaffirmation of the medical dangers of smoking pot - and critics' inevitable rejoinders about the evils of prohibition - give us all an excellent opportunity to prepare ourselves for thoughtfully deciding where we stand on the issue and why exactly we take this position. [continues 407 words]
Dear Editor: The "ice bucket challenge" to raise awareness about ALS is all the rage among politicians these days, including Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and his wife, Tonette. As there are few conventional treatments for ALS, perhaps the best way to help those suffering would be to instead advocate for legalizing medical cannabis in Wisconsin. In May, I attended a conference in Portland, Ore., presented by Patients Out of Time, "The Endocannabinoid System and Age-Related Illnesses." In a presentation on ALS and cannabis, Dr. Gregory T. Carter, a clinical professor at the University of Washington, stated that medical cannabis is "almost custom-made to treat ALS. It dries the mouth up, relieves pain, eases muscle spasms, improves the appetite, and may well have a disease-modifying effect." [continues 152 words]