[Josh Broughm]

I'm surprised this hasn't popped up today.
Here's a question I put up for debate:

Is Legalizing Cannabis The right thing to do?

As most of you know, Canada is now the 2nd country to legalise the use of Marijuana as of the posting of this thread. Specific rules of use vary from province to province as does how to access it(One Store on Cape Breton is selling it...and its in a liquor store. NOT SMART!)

My personal opinion on this is quite simple. MEH.

It ain't gonna get rid of the black market as of yet.

Share your voice on this! Were you among the first to buy legal bud? What was the experience like?

[aceman67]

Not going to lie, I was a Pothead after I graduated from High School for a couple of years. I stopped smoking for several years, picked it up here and there, but never to the level I smoked back then, and when I got my security license and became a guard, kicked it entirely for the last two and a half years.

I come at this subject from the practical side, as well as the historical side:

The Government stands to make a butt load of money from taxing it, and save even more from not prosecuting it as a crime. Prime examples from this can be found with the experiences that states like Colorado and Washington have had. They've made billions in the years since legalization.

On the physical front, As with any substance, you need to use moderation, I mean you can kill yourself by drinking too much water (water toxemia). You abuse something, you'll have deleterious effects on your health, but with moderation, it's no more dangerous than a steady diet of big-macs. Also, don't Toke and Drive, a no-brainer. There are other legal substances that are more harmful to you than cannabis use, chief among them alcohol.

On the history front: The real reason behind the criminalization of Marijuana (In the United States, and other counties followed suit), is that it was a direct competitor to the Paper/Lumber and Textile Industries at the time. Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis Stavia plant (It has lower quantities of psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects), is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, and can be made into paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed. Seeing hemp as a threat to their industries, they lobbied the US government with misinformation and scare tactics (Reefer Madness!) and it eventually led to its criminalization, which included the Drug and Hemp. Before then it was legal, although looked down upon.


Do I support legalization? Yes. The benefits on the taxation side of things will lead to improved government funding for services, and it also opens up a whole new industries, which is good for the economy.

Will I use Marijuana now that it's legal? Yes. I was close to asking my doctor for a Medical Marijuana card to help with my diagnosed chronic insomnia anyways, it's legalization eliminates the need for one.

[jdcollins]

On the history front: The real reason behind the criminalization of Marijuana (In the United States, and other counties followed suit), is that it was a direct competitor to the Paper/Lumber and Textile Industries at the time. Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis Stavia plant (It has lower quantities of psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects), is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, and can be made into paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed. Seeing hemp as a threat to their industries, they lobbied the US government with misinformation and scare tactics (Reefer Madness!) and it eventually led to its criminalization, which included the Drug and Hemp. Before then it was legal, although looked down upon.



It is nice to see someone who knows the real reason as to why is was made illegal in the U.S.


My opinion on this is:

While it may not stop the drug market, it will put a serious dent in their sales.
I am definitely in support if the tax revenue it will generate (look into how much money has been made by the States that allow sales).
As with anything else, moderation needs to be practiced. But, ultimately it is in the hands of the consumer as to how they control themselves.

[Josh Broughm]

I'm gonna go diving for the Canabis act & post the link to it, as well as each province's regs on use of it.

[Deltron]

Canada is gonna import all thier bud from the U.S.

- - - Updated - - -

Now that its legal, I might have to visit Vulcan, Alberta

[Josh Broughm]

Here's some links for reference. Will edit this to add more.
The primary federal bill:
Government of Canada Cannabis act.

Atlantic Provinces:
Prov. Of N.S. Cannabis Control act.
NOTE: Halifax Municipal council has updated their Smoke Free places bylaw. No smoking ANYTHING on municipal property INCLUDING SIDEWALKS!!
Prov. Of N.B. Cannabis Control act.
Prov. Of PEI Cannabis Control act.
Prov. Of NFLD. Cannabis Control Act.

[aceman67]

Now that its legal, I might have to visit Vulcan, Alberta

If you do, make sure it's during Vul-Con, otherwise it's not really worth it. Also, hit me up, I'm about an hour away.