Perspectives:
What Canadians from around the region think about legalization
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone says “marijuana?”
Bella Melanson,
Holland College student studying medical sports services Medicinal.
I think it can be a really good thing as long as people educate themselves. It can be used for fun, but there are a lot of medical ways to use it. It has become very scientific with CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and the different levels. CBD affects the body, THC is more of a high. There are so many ways to ingest it now and it makes it easier for older people who are developing cancer who aren't comfortable smoking. It is going to be a process; there's still going to be a lot of people selling illegally and I don't know if that will ever stop.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone says “marijuana?”
Pamela Schneider, Sackville, N.B. Society is becoming more complacent, totally unaware of the actual dangers or deficiencies, just having the attitude that if it is legalized it must be OK. Just look at the effects smoking marijuana has had on infants. And mothers that used marijuana while pregnant for nausea. It is a depressant drug. And every day we hear of more teen suicides due to depression. So we legalize an addicting drug to help our most influential group — teens — whom then use without thinking of long-term negative effects, such as fetal alcohol syndrome. Yes, marijuana may have some medical benefits, but does the help it may give some outweigh the costs of the numerous lives it will detrimentally affect?
How will marijuana affect the dressing room?
Pierre Arsenault, director of athletics at Mount Allison University Even after the legalization of cannabis this month, it will remain on the World Antidoping Agency's banned substance list because of possible performance effects it can have. As a result, we are working hard with our student-athletes to have them understand that cannabis is still a banned substance and by using cannabis they are at risk for a doping violation. Also, as a parent I have concerns for the message we are sending our youth with the legalization of cannabis. For all aspiring young athletes I hope they take the time to understand the harmful effects on their development that cannabis use can cause.
Does the commercialization of cannabis signal a watershed moment in Canadian business?
Shawn King, chief creative officer, Arrivals and Departures and host of Turning a New Leaf podcast I'd have to say, I think it is, yes.
Some might argue that it's too soon to say, given that at least initially there is no real clear line of sight in terms of tax revenue or how any potential new revenue would be used.
Having said that, it's hard to argue with the economic impact we've already seen. The substantial creation of jobs all over the country is just one indication, not to mention the investments put into the industry, even from already existing ones such as alcohol.
I think in a few years we'll really see the potential of the impact from this brand new industry. Once the admittedly cautious regulations are adjusted to accommodate the reality, we'll see the introduction of private sector, craft growing, product innovation and peripheral businesses that will be created as a result.