Many Canadians wait with lighters in hand for Wednesday’s legalization of marijuana. The Federal Cannabis Act reveals a light sketch of regulations, but an abundance of citizens are left confused as Canada’s 13 provinces and territories of enact their own rules and principles. Some provinces will sell weed in government stores, while others in private stores. None are allowed to sell the drug in bars or restaurants.
Coined as “C Day,” the nickname many are using to discuss “Cannabis Day,” the day will make fresh or dried flower, seeds, plants and oil available, excluding edibles and concentrates until next year.
A unique marijuana excise tax will be added to the total upon purchase. An age limit has not been set in stone for all provinces. Some say age 19, while Quebec says age 18. There is even a map designating where smoking pot is permitted on Municipal property. Households will be granted permission to grow a maximum of four plants in most, but not all, parts of the country. Some Canadians are worried, while others are excited in anticipation of what is to come next.
Exciting day for Canada! This is the last day before we finally legalize cannabis nation wide!!!!! Hopefully one day we can decriminalize all substances, but for now this is a great step! And yes, I'm getting extremely high tomorrow to celebrate this historic event.
— Gwҽneth (@celeths) October 16, 2018
Students on campus have opinions about the availability and effects of the “wonder drug.”
Nick Low, an SMU sophomore, believes weed “should be just as available as a bottle of wine.” Coincidentally wearing a sweatshirt with the infamous words “legalize it,” he longs to be able to “go into a gas station and buy a pack of joints.” He thinks alcohol, in comparison, “is more of a gateway drug,” and the skepticism of marijuana as a path to harsher more brain-affecting drugs comes from people who are misinformed.
Frankie York, a journalism major, says, “just like alcohol, just like anything else, there’s detriment to your body, but all in all we won’t know until much later.”
