Legalization – talk of the town
People in Antigonish share their perspectives on marijuana legalization
As the date upon which marijuana in Canada will be legalized approaches, people in Antigonish have a variety of opinions on what that means for Canadians.
Although a majority of people approve of the legalization of marijuana, many local residents and students at St. F.X. demurred when asked about it by the Casket. Out of a couple dozen people consulted around town, several people shared their opinions.
Ryan Quigley, a first-year student at St. F.X., said legalization "has been a long time in coming."
"I have my own personal doubts about what effects it will have, superficially on today’s youth. I’m not confident in the belief that it has little effects," Quigley said. "The knowledge will come out, in time, for it. At this point, I think we should, as a country, take the best route possible."
Quigley said he thinks it’s good the federal government is taking a "strong hand" on the control of the substance, with very specific legalization.
"In the beginning, it’s very important in order to see the effects that will come in time," Quigley said. "For example, driving while high. I believe it’s very dangerous. I don’t yet, at this point, have scientific evidence to disprove my belief that it’s not dangerous."
An Antigonish resident who wished to remain anonymous was skeptical about the effectiveness of Bill C-45 (the Cannabis Act).
"I don’t think it will do much. I mean, it’s always been available," the resident said. "Personally, I think it’s a big government money-grab. For years, when I was young, you’d get something like a $400 fine for being caught with a beer in hand, and $100 for a joint in hand – and liquor was legal. You do the math."
Ruth Forgeron, a visitor from Cape Breton, thought much the same, saying, "I think it will be a big mess. I don’t think the laws they’re going to introduce are enough."
Forgeron’s friend, Betty Lavandier said that although she has no interest in smoking marijuana, the fact that cannabis products – such as the oil – can potentially be used to treat pain is a point of interest for her.
"I have heard that it is good for the bones. I almost want to try it, since my bones aren’t as good as they used to be," Lavandier said. "I have a friend who deals with pain, and she says cannabis oil helps."
Another resident who wished to remain anonymous said, "I see how marijuana affects people and what it leads to. I love that it helps with medical issues, when there’s nothing added to it. But it’s a dangerous game."