‘It’s pretty magical’
Excitement takes hold among pot enthusiasts across Canada
Scores of Canadians openly rolled, smoked, vaped and rhapsodized over their legally bought weed for the first time Wednesday as a seismic cultural shift ushered in a new era of how cannabis — and cannabis users — are regarded across the country.
While much of the day unfolded as a typical mid-week workday for many, there were signs of a monumental milestone being crossed: the pungent odour of marijuana wafting along Montreal’s boutique-lined Ste Catherine Street, the appearance of furry costumed characters passing a massive joint while cavorting in a Toronto park, a full-page newspaper ad by an investment firm touting the economic potential of a “budding industry.’’
After nearly a century of prohibition, the dawn of legal recreational marijuana was met with jubilant celebration by longtime advocates, but also opposition by some protesters who dared to challenge the new norm by raising fears about health and safety concerns.
For many, the day was one of celebration.
The smell of weed hung heavily along Montreal’s main shopping drag, where a lineup of hundreds of would-be patrons stretched down the block in front of a government-sanctioned pot shop. Cheers erupted when doors opened and some among the giddy crowd cheerfully demonstrated joint-rolling techniques to reporters.
“It’s pretty magical,’’ said 39-yearold Hugo Senecal, who showed up with Corey Stone at 3:45 a.m. to be part of what they called a historic moment.
“It’s like Christmas, New Year, my birthday and Easter all in one day. For a stoner it’s kind of a good moment.’’
The 32-year-old Stone said he hoped legalization would help dissipate some of the stigma around cannabis, especially in a province that has some of the most restrictive laws around usage, possession and promotion in the country.
“You can see it from people walking by,’’ he said of the disdain that lingers for some. “Some are smiling, but some are shaking their heads.’’
Hundreds of supporters gathered at Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park and cheered when the clock struck 4:20 p.m., a number synonymous with cannabis culture. Many smoked openly and danced alongside two pot-themed mascots — a caped blue, red and yellow crusader known as “Bongman’’ and a weed-inspired take on Polkaroo that its creator Mark Scott called “Tokaroo.’’
Over in free-spirited Kensington Market — home to artists, vintage clothing stores and independent grocers — cannabis users crowded around a cardboard-covered pool table to grind weed, roll joints and smoke from bongs at the HotBox Lounge + Shop.