The legalization of recreational cannabis may be a watershed moment in Canadian history, but don’t expect it to end the discussion.
As Canadians adjust to the new law of the land, there will be plenty more debate about how this will affect society.
Among some of the most pressing concerns will be questions about how the new law will be enforced, given the number of different bylaws across the country on the public consumption of cannabis.
In the Bow Valley, residents will at least deal with consistent laws after Banff and Canmore both decided to ban the use of public consumption in their respective townsites.
While some may be frustrated by this decision, it will help provide some clarity from one jurisdiction to the next and buy elected officials more time to measure the effect of the new rules.
Like any bylaw that is passed, it is important to remember that it is never set in stone and will likely be tweaked in the future, as both towns adjust to the new rules and see how it plays out.
With the public consumption of cannabis banned for now, the next logical discussion will need to be about whether both communities want to allow cannabis cafes to set up shop in town.
Without a place for people to recreationally consume a legal product, municipalities may inadvertently push people back into the shadows.
Those against this idea will claim that people can consume the drug in the privacy of their home, however many renters will be unable to do so because of rules imposed by landlords and condo boards.
If we as a society have accepted the consumption of alcohol in licensed establishments, then it only makes logical sense to extend that privilege to cannabis users and allow licensed establishments for people to consume cannabis.
And the questions don’t end there.
One of the most interesting issues will be the effect legalization has on the judicial system.
There are some that believe it will free up time and resources to deal with more important matters, however like any untested law there will be plenty of legal wrangling and precedent setting decisions that are sure to wind their way through the legal system for years to come.
No issue will be more scrutinized and debated than those who are charged with driving under the influence of cannabis.
According to the Alberta government, police will be taking a zero tolerance approach when it comes to driving under the influence of cannabis. Those that are caught will face an immediate 90-day licence suspension followed by participation in a one-year ignition interlock program.
How police intend to prove someone was high behind the wheel beyond a reasonable doubt is sure to be hotly contested as the science behind such convictions has yet to be tested in a court of law.
From a health perspective there are also lingering concerns about the adverse effects of smoking marijuana.
While tobacco has proven links to lung and heart disease, it’s not clear yet if cannabis will affect the lungs in the same way.
Regardless, Alberta Health Services hasn’t shied away from pointing out the risk, including that smoking cannabis damages the lungs and contributes to respiratory problems, like chronic coughing and lung infections.
According to the provincial health agency, the levels of tar, hydrogen cyanide, and nitrosamines in cannabis are similar to those in tobacco and heavy marijuana use can lead to anxiety, personality disturbances and depression.
While legalizing the recreational use of cannabis may have ended the debate about prohibition, it’s not the end of the discussion, but rather just the beginning.
