If there's one thing people on both sides of the pot debate should be able to agree on, it's that marijuana can make people act like dummies -- no smoking required. Dummy example #1: Michael Phelps. For some bizarre reason, the Olympic gold medallist thought being an internationally-known sports celeb meant he would be totally incognito when he took a hit from a bong at a frat party. (Bong. Frat party? A recipe for hilarity. Or, in this case, scandal.) [continues 543 words]
'A Real Trend' A powerful, unregulated hallucinogen is growing increasingly popular in Ontario while remaining virtually unknown to police and health officials. Salvia divinorum, a member of the mint family, originates in Oaxaca, Mexico, where it has been used in shamanism and vision quests for centuries. The leaves are chewed or smoked and are widely available on the internet. A 14-year-old from Huntsville, Ont., said Salvia is hugely popular among his peers. "I'd say it's a real trend," said the teen, who asked to remain anonymous. [continues 979 words]
A Faux Canadian Flag On Main Street Is Causing A Big Flap. At a committee of the whole meeting Monday, Mayor Hugh Mackenzie asked Town staff to find out if there are bylaws that prohibit or discourage displaying the 'Oh Cannabis' flag, which hangs in the front window of Parties and Affairs. Shop owner Sue Redfearn is angry that Mackenzie raised the issue at committee before discussing his concerns with her. "I did not hear one word about this [before it was discussed at committee] and I find that appalling," Redfearn told the Forester. [continues 539 words]
The Canadian Media Have Gone To Pot. On Wednesday, the front pages of the GTA's four major daily newspapers, the Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star and Toronto Sun, featured stories on the proposed legislation to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. The Star and the Sun both made it the main story of the day. The Globe included the pot story, but emphasized Jean Chretien's anti-American chest thumping, and the Post played up a picture of Miss Canada's extravagant outfit at the Miss Universe pageant's national costume competition. [continues 607 words]
Many thanks to those enlightened readers who e-mailed in response to last week's column. You'll recall I wrote about the death of Nicole Malik, the 17-year-old who, two weeks ago, was found dead of an apparent Ecstasy overdose, and about the lack of stigmatization of the drug, despite 20 deaths since 1998. But any alarm at these deaths, or fears for those who continue to indulge in the drug, have now been assuaged. Both Ecstasy users, and those who do not use the drug but felt obliged to defend it, have enlightened this once ignorant columnist in the true ways of Ecstasy. The logic of it all is so simple that I'm ashamed I didn't think of it myself. [continues 642 words]
... then why is an anti-drug honours student dead of an overdose? "I've met this really great guy," said a girlfriend as we waited for a movie to start last weekend. "Really? Tell me about him." She listed a series of promising qualities in a potential guy friend (cute, funny, fun, etc.) but then she got to the end bit. "There's one thing though - he's into coke." No, not the pop. That put an end to any potential boyfriend talk. Cocaine, heroin, and their ilk fall into the category of "heavy" drugs. Heavy equals dangerous. These drugs are avoided by the majority, as are those people who use them. [continues 629 words]
Stories like these are relegated to the "dark side" of university life. Something every student is aware of, but would like to pretend doesn't exist - and that's when it becomes most dangerous. A classmate of mine at U of T recently revealed to me that she had been slipped a date rape drug. For the sake of the safety and awareness of other students, my friend wanted to get her story out. A month ago she and some friends were attending a party at a frat house on campus. After only a few sips of the drink in her hand, she began to feel intoxicated, and friends say she was staring off into nothingness. By the time the drink was finished, she was completely "out of it." [continues 645 words]
