Anna Voskuil | News Editor
Featured image courtesy of Creative Commons
On October 17, marijuana use will be legal across Canada. On the same day, the Ontario Cannabis Act will take action, involving specific regulations on cannabis use in Ontario.
In June, the legislation regarding the legalization of marijuana was passed in the federal Senate. The prime minister’s choice of legalization date, according to a Toronto Star article, “was picked to provide provinces the time they need to prepare for the new regime.”
For those unfamiliar, marijuana, colloquially known as cannabis or weed, originates from the cannabis sativa plant and is often used for therapeutic and psychoactive effects. It tends to exist in many forms, such as edibles (for example, brownies), extracts, dried flowers and leaves, or as pipes, paper-wrapped joints. It can also come in a heated or vaporized form.
Since its introduction, perspectives across Canada have varied on cannabis’ legalization. Before October 17, some have been counting down the days; there was even an official “Countdown to Cannabis” at the top of the Toronto Star’s weed-related stories.
Marijuana contains over 100 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, identified specifically to come from the cannabis plant. The chemical most responsible for the ‘high’ caused by cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
Another known cannabinoid is cannabidiol, or CBD. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause one to feel high, as it possesses little to no psychoactive effects.
Unlike other popular smoking methods, such as cigarettes or vaping products (e-cigarettes, e-hookahs, or vape pens), the full effect of cannabis can only be experienced when users hold their breath longer, and inhale deeper than a cigarette smoker would. This causes marijuana smokers to have a higher exposure to tar.
Further, unlike the other mentioned methods, cannabis does not contain nicotine, the addictive drug in cigarettes.
As of today, the legal age for using, growing, possessing, or buying marijuana in Ontario is 19. One option to purchase the product safely and securely is through the online Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), wherein the buyer must confirm they are aged 19 or older.
Next to the OCS, Ontario is hoping to pass a legislation for a private retail model, wherein the OCS will be the wholesaler to these private stores. If approved, it will be enacted by April 1, 2019.
Following an OCS transaction, the product will be delivered to the buyer’s home, wherein they must confirm their age through ID verification. The marijuana will not be left alone at the person’s doorstep.
When sold at stores, marijuana cannot be visible or seem appealing to youth, and must be sold from behind the counter.
Existing illegal cannabis storefronts and other modes of selling the product will continue to remain illegal after October 17. The Act will also be calling for the closure of these storefronts. Those caught distributing, selling, and/or using their property to sell or distribute unlawful cannabis, will spend up to two years in prison for first convictions, and/or be fined up to $250,000.
For corporations that allow their property to be used for, sell or distribute unlawful marijuana, they will be fined up to $1 million.
In both cases, they will also face additional fines for each of the days on which the crime takes place or continues on subsequent convictions.
Regarding accepted places of use, people will be able to use recreational marijuana in any private residences—subject to the building’s lease or regulations—including a multi-unit residence balcony, in a unit, or a home’s outdoor space.
However, cannabis use in public places, boats, or motor vehicles will be strictly prohibited.
As well, the Drug Recognition Expert Evaluation or Standard Field Sobriety Test will be used by police officers to detect impairment in driving caused by drugs, including marijuana.
Further laws include: the allowance for up to 30 grams to be shared and used amongst those 19 or older, and cultivated in the home (up to four plants per residence); and the banning of transporting cannabis over any international border.
Next to regulation changes on recreational use, those who have been using marijuana for medical use will be legally impacted as well, in the hopes of bettering patient access.
As the discussion around weed is on the rise, students have been expressing mixed thoughts on marijuana compared to cigarettes or other forms of smoking, as well as smoking on campus.
As of now, smoking on campus is restricted to areas at least nine metres away from any entrances or exits of buildings, and is banned from any enclosed spaces.
No specific locations are named as ‘smoking areas,’ thus, the most common area for smoking tends to be within Central Square.
When a handful of York students were approached about their smoking habits (or lack thereof), the most common answers among users for their preferred smoking choice were either cannabis or cigarettes.
When asked why some prefer cannabis, first-year psychology student Samantha Stellnberger says: “It helps me reduce stress and sleep at night, because I have trouble sleeping.”
Another reason for cannabis use is “because of the feeling; I feel like cigarettes will just get you really sick and give you lung cancer,” says Bengi Smith, a first-year computer science student.
These are not uncommon reasons for marijuana use—according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the drug is often used for therapeutic reasons, often able to manage or regulate conditions such as: depressed mood and insomnia; chronic, cancer-related, multiple sclerosis, or any other physical pain; troubles with appetite due to physical ailments; and/or nausea.
However, CAMH notes the potential side effects of marijuana, including but not limited to: an irritated respiratory system, red eyes, dry mouth and throat, increases in appetite and heart rate, and drowsiness or restlessness (depending on how much is used and individual responses).
As well, one’s reaction to the product may vary from person to person, based on factors such as frequency of use, age, and/or any pre-existing medical and/or psychiatric conditions, among others.
While some can experience a positive impact from use, such as feeling more relaxed, euphoric, and giggly, others can experience fear, confusion, and anxiety from cannabis.
Among students who choose not to smoke, their reasons include: lack of interest, costs, and the health risks that come with use.
Adam Iofranco, a fourth-year history student, adds: “I’m an athlete; I’m trying to take care of myself.
“So as long as it’s not detrimental I see no problem with it, but I don’t know much about it right now, so I don’t know if I would smoke in the future.”
In a 2015 survey, about 12 per cent of Canadians (roughly 3.6 million) reported to using marijuana. Among that population, 24 per cent stated they use it for medicinal purposes.
A 2018 report from Statistics Canada found that since the early 2000s, overall smoking rates amongst young people have dropped significantly. In terms of cannabis use, while rates tend to be higher amongst youth compared to older populations, use has generally decreased amongst youth.
Compared to the effects of cigarettes, vaping, or other popular forms of smoking, marijuana shows a difference in its impact due to its known existing toxins and carcinogens, as well as neurological and cognitive effects.
While it does not contain nicotine, marijuana has been linked to the weakening of the immune system, lungs and respiratory system, and the creation of air pockets in between both lungs and the chest wall area, along with large air bubbles in the lungs among young adult users.
As well, a mold linked to lung disorders, Aspergillus, has been found to occasionally grow on the cannabis plant—if smoked, it can expose users to the fungus. For those with functional immune systems, however, little to no impact is seen to occur.
Considering the legalities, along with the physical and mental effects, making a choice to partake in weed purchase, use, planting, and/or distribution, should be thought about critically.
If you do choose to smoke up, make sure you’re 420-ing wisely.
With files from Jessica Sripaskaran
