Locals express views on legalization of cannabis

The legalization of cannabis officially took effect on October 17 and the news has been a talking point for many conversations, particularly, because Moose Jaw is one of the cities in the province that will have two stores providing the well talked about product.

The Express caught up with some locals, who expressed their views on the legalization of cannabis across Canada. While many persons (some of whom did not want to be named) say they do not have a problem with this move, some urged people to be cautious, as with other products such as alcohol.

Here are some of the views expressed by some locals:

“I’m not against it at all. I think there is way too much hype around it right now because there are major corporations investing and they don’t know how much they’ll get out of it. I think after a while, the hype around it will die down. I don’t see a problem with it even though I think it wasn’t rolled out properly. ”—Dan

“I’m not against it. I am all for it for medicinal reasons if it’s going to help people with pain management. Once it’s helpful, I don’t see any reasons why not.”—Anonymous “Personally, I have no problem with the legalization of cannabis. If people are going to use it, they might as well be able to get it legally. I know that the cannabis that is available today is far more potent than it used to be years ago. When I smoked pot in the 70s, we just got the regular strengths and it was enjoyable but now people who want the hybrid strengths, I hear they are very potent so for first-time users, it wouldn’t be a good idea for them to try it. Personally, I’m not smoking it today because of religious reasons and it’s something that I prefer not to be involved with as a result. But, I don’t have a problem with it becoming legal.”—Linda “I think it’s a good thing. I think it’s going to keep it out of the underground so that people who are not supposed to profit it from it won’t. I think it’s a good idea because there are lots of people who use it for medicinal reasons like pain management and different skin conditions. There are all sorts of benefits that can come from it based on good research. I know people who’ve got medical license to use it because it does help them, so I think it’s a good idea and I hope this will keep it out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have it. There is lots more hurtful stuff out there than marijuana.”—Anonymous

On the other hand, some persons are concerned about the effects it may have on some people. Some expressed caution especially for some groups like youth and pregnant women.

“It is legal, but it doesn’t mean that it is ok to do in certain situations like pregnancy. Zero amount is a safe amount so now that it is acceptable, doesn’t mean that everyone is supposed to use it, especially for those at risk. Persons should exercise some amount of caution and be aware.”—Sandra

“The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists across Canada, CanFASD Research Network and Canadian Association of Substance Abuse and the Prevention Institute, all recommend that cannabis must not be used in pregnancy. There is no proven safe amount for an unborn baby and it is healthier for mom and baby to not be using this substance during pregnancy. There are resources that persons can access for more information and guidelines as this change takes place for provinces. One of them is the Center for Addictions and Mental Health’s ‘Guide to cannabis legalization’ which was recently published. You can find more information at www.cmha.ca ”—Marlene Dray, Saskatchewan Prevention Institute.