Just because cannabis is now legal for recreational use in Canada doesn’t mean it isn’t harmful.
That’s one of the messages coming from RCMP Staff Sgt. Al Baird and Alberta Health Services addictions counsellor Jack Adkins as they sat down to answer questions from the public and share their unique perspectives on the rules and effects of the recent legalization of cannabis.
The Westlock Municipal Library hosted the event Nov. 1, which was only attended by a handful of residents.
Librarian Wendy Hodgson moderated the hour-long Q and A session which dealt with questions ranging from the new legalities of the drug to its effects on the brain, especially in teenagers and young adults.
She noted library patrons were asked to submit questions for the officer and counsellor.
How old to buy?
In Alberta, you must be 18 to purchase cannabis from a retail store or the provincial sales website. The legal age is currently 19 in all other provinces.
Can I grow my own?
Yes, you may grow four plants in your home, although some property management companies strictly forbid it on their rental properties.
Can I buy it in town?
There likely will be as there are currently several applications for retail stores in Westlock, but none are open for business at this very moment.
But much of the discussion focused on the law surrounding cannabis, particularly driving.
“There have already been tickets issued in Westlock,” said Baird, adding drivers who consume cannabis in their vehicle risk an impaired driving charge, a $575 fine and risk having their vehicle towed.
Baird recommended treating the drug as one treats alcohol in a vehicle. Don’t open it, keep it out of reach of the driver and certainly don’t use it.
Consumers may only purchase or carry 30 grams at a time, said Baird.
When it comes to consuming outdoors, municipal regulations are to be followed. In Westlock, no additional regulations were adopted by the town, so the provincial rules of not being within five metres of a doorway or window applies.
Different municipalities have adopted different rules, said Hodgson, so it’s good to be aware of the rules in different towns.
Hodgson went on to ask whether it is expected that more kids will experiment with cannabis now that it is legal.
“That is a concern that we have,” said Adkins. “The youth are getting mixed messages about marijuana.”
Another concern on the health side is the possibility of addiction to the substance. Prevention through education is a top priority, said Adkins.
Adkins said many of his clients that use crystal meth, started their drug use with cannabis. On the other hand he said he knows others who have been smoking cannabis for 50 years without moving onto harder substances.
One of those in attendance was Pam Frick, who came with her mother.
“I was curious about it, because I have medical issues that I treat with prescriptions and I was wondering about the possibility of treating it with cannabis,” said Frick who decided she would stick with her prescriptions instead of trying cannabis to treat her ailments.
She advised anyone curious about using the substance to do their research and to have respect for it.
Adkins recommended referring to the numerous resources available through Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis website for anyone with further questions.
