THUMBS UP TO POT BAN
The decision isn’t without controversy, but city council was wise to ban the use of marijuana in public places. When the federal government legalizes cannabis later this summer, Calgarians won’t be able to smoke, vape or eat products made with the substance in public spaces, unless they’re a medical marijuana user.
That has led critics of the decision to complain that people who live in multi-family dwellings may not be able to use the drug.
“It’s not an insignificant group of people — 36 per cent of Calgarians are renters,” Coun. Evan Woolley said when the restriction was being discussed by council. “And effectively, we are saying there is no space for you to consume cannabis, and that’s a problem for me.”
Council is simply treating marijuana like we treat tobacco and liquor. Presumably, the people who won’t be able to smoke pot in their units, are already prevented from lighting up a cigarette indoors — just as they’re prevented from doing so in parks and other public areas.
And Calgarians aren’t permitted to drink a glass of wine as they stroll down the street, so why should they be allowed to take a drag on a marijuana joint?
The ban on using marijuana in public is also justified because of its distinct, skunky smell. There’s no reason other people should be subjected to the odour.
The city’s policy mirrors regulations that are in place in other North American jurisdictions. Public consumption is prohibited in all nine American states where cannabis is legal, including Colorado, California and Nevada.
“We believe that the decisions that council has made regarding cannabis strike a mindful balance between citizen feedback, best practices of other jurisdictions and practical considerations based on existing bylaws,” Matt Zabloski, a city official, said in a news release.
City council has instructed staff to explore the creation of designated cannabis smoking areas, so there’s still the possibility Calgarians who can’t use the drug indoors will have a place to light up.
Medical officer of health Dr. Brent Friesen made a good point when he said the bylaw should not stigmatize users, but it shouldn’t normalize marijuana use, either.
The doctor said it is essential not to create an environment where young people see adults smoking and vaping marijuana, thinking that it is the customary thing to do.
Council made the right call in banning pot smoking in public. Just because it’s legal, doesn’t mean Calgarians have to be subjected to the sight and smell of it.