If you don’t know hash from hookahs, here’s a pot primer
After years of debate, hundreds of pages in legislation, and several last-minute policy changes, Canadians will at last be able to legally blaze up starting Oct. 17. We answer some burning questions you may have about pot.
What is cannabis?
Cannabis is a psychoactive drug derived from the plant of the same name. People mainly use it either by smoking it like a cigarette or through a bong, or ingesting it via edibles.
Why do people use it?
People smoke or ingest pot mainly for mental and physical stimulation. Marijuana’s primary effect is the “high” sensation it induces. The quality and type of high you achieve depends on the strain you use. Indica strains are known to cause a more relaxing, sedative effect (like a sleepytime tea, but better). Sativa strains are usually used to experience a more uplifting, energizing high. Both strains can lead to a heightened sense of consciousness, a change in the user’s mood, and worst of all, the munchies. Have some snacks ready.
Most people smoke pot as a form of relaxation or to elevate experiences such as concerts, festivals, performances. Others may also use it for medicinal purposes, such as pain control. It’s known to lessen the effects of chronic pain.
How can I tell if something is cannabis?
The best test is by sight and smell. Cannabis comes in different forms. It’s most commonly bought as buds, which look like a collection of dried leaves and stems clumped together with a greenish-grey to brown hue. It has a mild skunkish scent that intensifies when it’s lit.
It can also come in a more concentrated form, called hashish or “hash” for — a resin version that is usually bought in solid form or as a light to dark brown pastelike substance. It’s usually consumed through smoking, by using a bong, pipe, joint or vaporizer.
What about edibles?
Edibles are food products infused with cannabis (brownies, chips, fruit bars, almond milk, etc.). Provided that no “dangerous organic solvents” are used in the process, people will be able to make edibles for personal use.
What are the health effects of cannabis use?
Aside from euphoric sensations, cannabis can also cause some negative and “unwanted” effects on a user’s health. According to the government, short-term effects include confusion, anxiety, sleepiness and psychotic episodes. It can also make the user forget things, impair their ability to concentrate, and — if smoked — damage their blood vessels. In the long term, the government also says cannabis use can harm your lungs, diminish your ability to think and make decisions, lower your IQ, and cause you to become addicted to the substance.
Is it OK to drive while high on cannabis?
No. It will be considered impaired driving, and can cause injury or death. Law enforcement officers are trained to detect drug-impaired driving, and will administer a roadside sobriety test and conduct a series of urine and blood tests. Offenders could face fines and a licence suspension, as they would with alcohol. Regulations imposed under Kathleen Wynne’s government mean zero tolerance for young or novice drivers — those under 21, or who only carry a G1, G2, M1 or M2 class licence.
Can building management ban cannabis use inside apartment units?
According to Ontario’s legislation, you’ll be able to use cannabis in a private residence (which includes your porch or backyard) or in your unit in an apartment building. If you’re renting, it’s possible that your landlord will have a smoking ban in place in your lease.
If your current lease prohibits smoking, then it is likely that will cover cannabis, too. However, if there’s no smoking ban already in place, your landlord can’t add one when the law comes into effect. Landlords can only change leases once a lease agreement ends, so the clause could be included in a future lease if you move.
Where can I purchase cannabis in Ontario?
Premier Doug Ford unveiled plans on Aug. 13 to open up sales of recreational cannabis to private stores by April 1.Until then, the Ontario Cannabis Store website will be the only legal source for recreational pot in the province.