Making history

Dozens gather to purchase first legalized marijuana in Pictou County

Margaret Ann Nicholas woke up at 3 a.m. on Oct. 17. By 6 a.m. she was bored.

“I thought, I’ll go make history,” she said.

At 7 a.m. the Pictou County resident pulled into the Aberdeen Business Centre and took her spot as first in line at the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission which opened its doors at 10 a.m. to sell the first legal recreational marijuana in Pictou County.

“It should have happened a long time ago,” Nicholas said.

She says she never expected it to happen though at least “not in my lifetime.”

At 8:19 a.m. Russell Walsh joined Nicholas and began second in line. As someone who has used cannabis for the last 35 years he said he’s happy to see it change so that people won’t be charged for what he believes is a beneficial drug.

While he still believes there will be people who will continue to sell illegally, he said it’s good that people have a legal option.

“You’re not going to get rid of the underground market of anything. There’s always going to be someone out there trying to get a buck and that’s just the way it is,” he said. “Now you have a legal option and it’ll be firmly regulated, so you’ll know what you’re getting. You’re not going to be buying a little baggy full of stuff with God knows what else in it.”

He believes education is important to ensure proper use.

Arriving at 8:22 was Janet Francis.

“It’s a happy day,” Francis said. “I could never get a medical marijuana card. Now I can buy it in town and help some of my issues.”

She said she expected this day would come as well.

“I knew the government would have to realize what it could do for them and people,” she said. “I didn’t think it would take so freakin’ long.”

Carl Nemeth pulled in at 8:30 a.m. to be fourth in line.

“I’m permitted with the government, but I’m glad to see it happen for everybody else,” he said. He uses marijuana to help handle pain and says it has replaced hydromorphone for him.

“Pierre Elliott Trudeau mentioned it in 1972. Finally, his son made it happen. I’m sure his dad would be proud.”

At 10 a.m. store manager Darla Laughlan opened the doors and a line of about 60 people filed in.

ADAM MACINNIS/THE NEWS Store manager Darla Laughlan opens the doors for customers eager to purchase cannabis. First in line was Margaret Ann Francis. Second was Russell Walsh.

ADAM MACINNIS/THE NEWS About 60 people lined up in anticipation of the doors opening at the New Glasgow NSLC Oct. 17 for the legalized sale of cannabis products.