Don’t delay cannabis law, Editorial, Dec. 27
I read with great concern your take on the necessity for a quick pass through the Senate to ensure Bill C-45 gets put in place by the summer, coining the phrase “the boldest move” by the Trudeau government.
This certainly is not a bold move, rather an extremely poorly thought-out one, which could cause grave consequences for the Canadian public.
Marijuana is an addictive substance and can lead to stronger and more harmful drugs. The science is also in about how it can affect the brains of young adults and, for puffers, damage their lungs and reduce oxygen intake.
Using the planning and marketing of the drug as a reason to push things ahead is just plain nonsense. Let’s get it right first. The Cannabis Act will not be the most important social and legal change in Canada next year. But it could turn into a multi-billion dollar blowout.
I would suggest the Liberal government focus its attention on the raging opioid epidemic sweeping across our country, along with getting the less-advantaged and addicted off the streets and into proper housing facilities.
Please clear the smoke and focus on what really matters to Canadians. Legalizing marijuana is not one of them.
Richard Chadwick, Halton Hills
The fact that road deaths have doubled in Colorado and Washington states after pot legalization and workplace accidents have risen substantially should require careful consideration, not speed.
In Colorado, there has also been an increase in the number of children showing up at ERs after getting into their parents’ cannabis supply.
Here in Canada, studies show there has been a steady decrease in the number of young people using cannabis, which raises the question: Will legalization tempt more to become involved?
Across the country, condo owners are very concerned about people growing pot in neighbouring units, potentially causing moisture and mould damage. Children in such units will suffer health issues from contaminants emitted by the pot plants. Quebec and Manitoba have banned the growing of personal pot supplies, with doctors in B.C. pushing for the same thing.
Getting the rules correct to protect children and the general public certainly requires sober second thought.
Larry Comeau, Ottawa
With legalization ahead, nonprofit’s certification program will test businesses offering pot products, Dec. 24
The nonprofit certification agency that intends to step up and play a role in providing Canadian consumers with guidelines for “responsible use” of marijuana should also require each and every marijuana product be labelled with the contraindications of use.
The marijuana for medical purposes program, regulated by Health Canada, requires a brochure with these warnings be included in with all orders.
All Canadians must be alerted to the risks associated with the use of these products for various ages and populations, and not be lulled into the false belief that “responsible use” is possible for all. In some cases, marijuana is very dangerous and can have long-lasting and dire consequences, including women and men who are starting a family.
Emma Todd, Vancouver
I am not a smoker, so smoking weed is not of interest to me. However, I can understand the reasons behind legalizing the recreational use of pot.
My concern is where smoking of weed will be allowed. I recently visited Vancouver, a city that has always been a little more laid back than Toronto. Even though pot won’t be legally available until summer, it was wafting from every street corner, sidewalk and even bus shelters. The air was thick with the smell and I’m sorry, but it is stinky.
I hope this is not an indication of what our streets in Ontario will be like this summer. Legal or not, marijuana is still a drug. I am not allowed to walk the streets with my glass of wine so I am hopeful pot enthusiasts will not be allowed to smoke marijuana wherever they please.
Judy Midgley, Toronto