SYDNEY, N.S. — The sale of cannabis will become legal Wednesday across Canada.
Canadians, 19 years and older, can now purchase pot from a government-approved or owned and operated shop — including 12 Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation locations across Nova Scotia.
In Cape Breton, pot can only be purchased at the Sydney River liquor store.
A recent Vividata survey indicated 37 per cent of Canadian adults in support of legalization and likely to consume, 33 per cent supportive and liking marijuana's medicinal properties and 29 per cent opposed and want more due diligence.
The Cape Breton Post talked to community leaders across Cape Breton to ask if cannabis would be part of their future.
Darren Googoo, Membertou
Director of education in Membertou
“While I support the initiative to decriminalize marijuana, I myself am not a user. I don’t have any plans to participate.”
Wayne Weatherbee
Businessman and developer
“I never smoked, I never drank and I’m not going to start with cannabis. The government of Canada is going to make a whole lot of money on the lives of young people. I really don’t think it’s for the betterment of the Canadian citizen.”
Shelly McLellan, New Waterford
Chair of Combined Christmas Giving
“I will definitely not be trying it and I will definitely not be buying it. Good luck to the ones who do.”
John Ryan
Director of athletics at Cape Breton University
“On a personal level, whether legalized or not, it’s something I will never purchase or partake in. That’s who I am. Even though it’s legalized in Canada it’s still a banned substance to our student athletes at CBU. We’ve already educated our student athletes.”
Marcie Shwery-Stanley, Sydney
Advocate for people with disabilities
“The only thing I know about marijuana is in regard to other people — I don’t use it but have had friends who have used it for pain control and in that regard I’m receptive to it; as well it might reduce crime from illegal sales. Down the road it could be something I’d look at for pain control.”
Rankin MacSween, Boisdale
President of New Dawn Enterprises
“I didn’t think I’d see this in my lifetime. I think like anything else there will be lots of challenges and lots of problems in terms of the impact it’s going to have. I really hope at the end of the day that it makes for a better society and a more constructive community.”
Mike Kelloway, Sydney River
Chair of bayitforward
“No, I will not be purchasing it. It’s not my cup of tea, it’s not my product of choice. I think it’s a great opportunity for the economy and I think it’s a good opportunity for researchers — now that it’s legal in Canada —to really do a deep dive in terms of the impact on the human condition and the ramifications.”
Amanda McDougall, Main-a-Dieu
Cape Breton Regional Municipality councillor
“That isn’t something I would use on a regular basis but that’s not to say I haven’t in the past. I think legalization is great, it’s potentially something that can bring in more tax revenue but I … know it’s going to bring in more costs with policing. From a personal point of view, I think this is a great step forward.”
Taylor Lambke, Antigonish
Coach of the Strait Pirates Junior B hockey team
“I don’t plan to participate, I never have. It’s not a desire of mine and I don’t have any medical reasons (to use it). I’m really intrigued on how this goes. I’m a little nervous myself where I coach young men playing hockey. I don’t foresee myself participating … whether it’s legal or not legal.”
Sheldon Saccary, Dominion
President of the Shamrock Club
“No, I will not be purchasing it. I never did use it, never will.”
Related:
• Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation has a return policy for cannabis
• Regional police not using federally approved roadside drug testing equipment