Marijuana Legal in Canada

[ontario claret]

Marijuana became legal across Canada at midnight local times. I expect that this will increase tourism by enormous amounts, especially by Burnley supporters. If you want to avoid line-ups, place your orders now. THIS BUD'S FOR YOU.

[box_of_frogs]

How does this work with driving? I assume you can’t be stoned and drive?

[CharlieinNewMexico]

In NM, where medical marijuana is legal you can't drive "under the influence" of anything. Including prescription drugs.

[NRC]

Isn't the USA recruiting 900 more border guards for the common northern border, with this new law the principle reason for it? We're heading up to Niagara on the Lake for Xmas, and hope we're not stuck on one of the bridges!

[ŽižkovClaret]

My thoughts are with the Trailer Park Boys at this difficult time

[exilecanada]

How does this work with driving? I assume you can’t be stoned and drive?

I believe a breathalyzer type device has been developed, obviously its accuracy hasn’t been proven in court……yet. Same penalties apply regarding weed as drink driving.

As for weed usage in the workplace: last time I heard it’s up to each company to come up with its own rules and penalties. For instance, Toronto Police Commission has stated no officer can use within 28 days of a scheduled shift, good luck enforcing THAT rule. I’m sure the Police Union will argue that one.

[FCBurnley]

Can you smoke it in bars/restaurants ?

[exilecanada]

Can you smoke it in bars/restaurants ?

God no! Smoking anywhere indoors, except a personal residence, has been illegal in Ontario for years.

[ontario claret]

That's the great equalizer in this. The non-smoking rules still apply. You can now walk down the street with a spliff in your hand, but once you go indoors, unless it's a private home, or a designated smoking area, you have to put it out. I've been in public places where I've noticed "that smell" and tried to pick out who's enjoying his narcotic of choice. People have always been doing. I went to high school in the late '60s, early '70s and everybody knew who the "users" were. A guy named Steve Jepson was the main supplier, but he also did hashish. Bad dude. Went on to open a stained glass business because "he liked the colours".

[LeadBelly]

It'll be interesting to see how it affects prices; presumably prices will drop quite a bit given you can now legally grow your own (though I think the number of plants you can have is limited).

[AndrewJB]

I think the number of plants you're allowed to 'own' is four - which, if you know what you're doing could yield you a pound of weed grown outdoors. Some provinces have retained the ban on personal cultivation though - which is a bit stupid. From what I've seen, prices for recreational weed are quite high, as is demand, so I think the illegal market will remain for some time.

I think it was Polly Toynbee in the Guardian who mentioned a study way back in 2011 that said Britain would save / earn about twenty billion pounds a year if we legalised pot. If only they'd put it on the side of a bus...

[LeadBelly]

The tax collection (and reduced policing aspect) benefits are very attractive arguments in favour of legalisation as far as I'm concerned.

I guess the worry is that it would lead to a significant increase in usage but that's far from certain.
I had the occasional dabble a long time ago but havent smoked anything (barring very very occasional cigar) for 30+ years; I wouldnt be tempted even if it was legal & cheap here. I suspect a few people I know would have a dabble on the odd weekend but I'm not convinced that there would be a big consumption increase.
Let's see how the market develops in Canada and what happens to the illegal trade.

[Vegas Claret]

The State of Nevada collected $69.8 million in marijuana tax revenue during the first year of legal adult-use sales, about 140% of what the state anticipated.............that's all you need to know !

[ontario claret]

It's also legal in Washington, Oregon, and Colorado. If only John Denver was still alive and given up hang gliding sooner. He'd be rolling in dough from the royalties of "Rocky Mountain High".

[Rick_Muller]

The tax collection (and reduced policing aspect) benefits are very attractive arguments in favour of legalisation as far as I'm concerned.

...not to mention how chilled our prisons would be with inmates legally permitted to use marijuana in a controlled way instead of using Spice which is causing major havoc everywhere.